The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 09-05-25

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Greek PM Slams PASOK for Populism

Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis delivered a speech in the central Greek city of Tripoli, focusing on financial matters with regard to the global financial crisis and the local activities. He also slammed the Socialist party (PASOK) for obstructing national goals.

"Our top priority is being given to the sectors that have been affected the most. Farmers, low-income earners, the unemployed and the young are our grave concern. Economy is the most urgent national affair, and nothing other than national affairs come first. The national interest is above all else. Our homeland is above all else," said Karamanlis.

"We are fully aware of the problems that raise obstacles in our country's progress. The heaviest burden is the huge public debt the governments of PASOK left in their wake. It stood at 30% in 1981 and it soared to 100% in 2004.

We are aware of the problems the citizens are facing. The most important one is unemployment. It amounted to 3% in 1981 and surged to 11.3% in 2004. They triple the debt at a time when the country was receiving huge EU funds. They tripled the unemployment rates under the most favourable global financial conditions," continued he.

The Greek Premier then accused the governments of PASOK of turning their backs to problems that cannot be addressed from one day to another. "Problems we are coming across in today's uphill drive. And yet! Those who are accountable for the problems and the major financial and social problems insist on populism. They are promising everything to all, yet they fail to suggest any solutions, nor tell the source of the necessary funds. They never submit specific proposals. "

Lambasting PASOK, Karamanlis claimed: "Never before has there been such an irresponsible stance. I cannot be sure whether they can realize the damage they are causing to the country's interests. I cannot be sure to what extent the hunger for power has darkened the political practices. I cannot be sure whether they have any limitations. But this is not political criticism. It is a mere defamation of the country. It is a blow to our country's image.

And I ask: Do the PASOK leaders have realized the global financial reality? Are they aware of the consequences of their irresponsible stance? "

Touching on the global financial crisis, the Greek head of government stressed: "From the very first moment of the crisis in Europe, the government showed strong reflexes and effectiveness. We were among the first to guarantee deposits, averting uncontrollable situations. We were among the first to promote a stimulus plan, while being attacked by irresponsible opposition attacks. "

Summing up his speech, the Prime Minister underlined: "No matter the political cost, we are steadfast on the reforms the country needs. We are determined to not derail from the path of responsibility. We have opted for the path that leads to the future. And we are not going to abandon this path. We are not going to change it. We are moving forward, determined to win this difficult battle against the global storm. Determined to safeguard a better future."

News item: 22732

[02] G. Papandreou Calls for High Turnout in Elections

"I said before and I am going to say it yet again, the dilemma with regard to the European Parliament elections is crystal clear: Socialist and Democracy or Barbarism?" This is what PASOK (Panhellenic Socialist Movement) President George Papandreou stressed, while addressing an open political event in the central Greek city of Lamia on Sunday evening.

Papandreou said, "Due to the policies of the Karamanlis administration, there is political, social, institutional, labour and environment barbarism in Greece."

In his address, the Socialist leader blasted TV spots of the ruling party of ND, arguing, "Instead of apologizing, the government is claiming that everything we are experiencing is nothing but figments of our imagination, slamming the Opposition."

He then urged the Prime Minister to clearly say to the people of Greece which new taxes he is about to impose after the European Parliament elections.

Papandreou underlined the key position of Europe's Socialists regarding the revision of the Stability Pact. The PASOK head then called for high turnout.

News item: 22733

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