“Right now, what matters for us is to stay in Europe and obtain a large development package, so that the economy can restart”, stated Stavros Theodorakis, following his meeting this evening with Mr. Tsipras, the Prime Minister, who informed him about the latest developments in the crucial negotiations. Mr. Theodorakis stressed that “there are also some opponents in Europe, now rejoicing at the possibility of a Grexit. We will not do them the favor, they will be disappointed". He also said that "we have to convince those that are reluctant that the future of Greece is in the heart of Europe”. He added that “we continue to participate in the national effort to find a solution, so that the people stop feeling insecure".
Here are the statements made by the two political leaders:
Alexis Tsipras: I informed the President of the Republic and I indicated my availability to inform all political leaders. You responded immediately. I also had a phone conversation with the leader of PASOK, Mrs. Fofi Gennimata, and we will talk again tomorrow. I remain at her disposal to keep her informed, as well as at the disposal of the president of New Democracy. I believe that, at this point, it is necessary for everyone to be well aware of actual developments. We are going through crucial moments. Political leaders must be informed. In my opinion, this is of major importance, so that there is no room for ambiguity or misinterpretation. In any case, we are proceeding in accordance with what has been agreed among us two days ago. The coming hours will be crucial.
Stavros Theodorakis: I think that it is very important for political leaders to remain in touch and exchange views regarding the developments. And, what is also very important is to send a continuous message abroad that there is a national consensus and a national common front regarding the negotiations. The same message must be disseminated domestically, since the people remain very worried. The developments hit them very suddenly and, regardless of whether the people voted YES or NO, what they want is "to finally find a solution".
Alexis Tsipras: A solution that will have a perspective for the future…
Stavros Theodorakis: Definitely. We must not repeat the past mistakes, but a solution must be found. As you know, for us, the solution is linked with the euro and Europe.
Following his meeting with the Prime Minister, the leader of Potami answered some journalists’ questions:
Journalist: What did you discuss with Mr. Tsipras?
Stavros Theodorakis: The Prime Minister informed me on the latest developments. We remain on a common national front to find a solution soon, so that the people stop feeling insecure and to have a new contract with Europe, which will bring growth and social justice. With the Prime Minister, we discussed the help that Potami can give through certain actions and discussions that we can have with officials in Europe. What is important right now is not for the Greeks to convince each other. We are convinced, and we want to remain in the heart of Europe. But, what has to be done is to work methodically in order to convince those that are reluctant, especially some conservative circles in Europe, that the future of Greece is to remain in the Eurozone.
Journalist: Will there be a deal on Sunday?
Stavros Theodorakis: Obviously, this is what the Prime Minister is fighting for. This is what we are all fighting for. To have a deal before Sunday. On Sunday, it will be too late. There must be a deal finalized by Friday morning.
Journalist: Did you discuss about specific measures?
Stavros Theodorakis: We discussed about the measures. As we said before, there are no easy solutions. What really matters right now is that we stay in Europe and have a development package, so that the economy can restart. If this happens and the Greek economy restarts, the specific measures will be dealt with in a different way.
Journalist: Do you think that the proposal will be accepted by the Europeans?
Stavros Theodorakis: We have some allies, people who want Greece to stay in Europe. This is true, we witnessed it ourselves. Francois Hollande is one of those people. So, there are people trying in the same direction with us. But, there are also some opponents of Greece in Europe, now rejoicing at the idea of a Grexit. We will not do them the favor, we must disappoint them.
13 July 2015
Photo credit: Theodore Manolopoulos
