Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 15-01-25

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Samaras: 'I hand over a country without deficits..my conscience is clear'

[02] Potami is the third democratic power, says leader Theodorakis

[03] Independent Greeks (ANEL) leader to meet with Tsipras on Monday, rules out collaboration with To Potami

[01] Samaras: 'I hand over a country without deficits..my conscience is clear'

"Deeply moved, I thank from my heart all the women and men that stood beside us in this difficult race. I want them to feel proud of this battle that we waged together, just as I feel very proud of them. "The Greek people have spoken and we all respect their decision," he said.

"My conscience is clear. I took over a country on the verge of disaster. I was asked to hold 'lit coals' in my hands and I did it. Most gave us few prospects of lasting. But we withstood. We averted the worst. We pulled the country out of the deficits, out of the recession, we restored the credibility and the standing of our country, we laid the foundations for growth and for a final exit from the crisis.

"In the last two and half years, we created a new tradition of consensus and coalition governments, unknown in Greece. Greece needs bold consensuses and we dared [to do this]. We were obliged to take painful measures. And there were some mistakes and injustices. But we averted much worse things.

"So, today, I hand over a country without deficits, with security for the citizen, with firm support in the world and in our region. A country that is making an orderly exit from the crisis. Above all, I hand over a country that is a member of the European Union and the euro. For the good of this country, I hope that the next government preserves these gains. I have a clear conscience because I told the people the truth right to the end. I honestly hope that my predictions are not proved true. Because it is Greece we are talking about. But I had an obligation to give a warning."

"The election result is not pleasant for us. But it showed that ND stood firm, that ND is on its feet. Despite the very difficult but unavoidable measures we were forced to take, in two and half years ND appears to have lost only two points in relation to the elections in 2012. And it remains ready to play a decisive role in developments from here on forward, as a guarantor of the country's European course, of stability, security and the reforms that must progress. ND's role in upcoming developments will be crucial, I guarantee that it will play this role to the utmost," he said.

[02] Potami is the third democratic power, says leader Theodorakis

"Today, Potami is the third democratic power in the country. This is a victory of society. Without money, without protectors, without agreements with vested interests and unions, we achieved the unachievable: to enter Parliament with 16 lawmakers," Theodorakis told journalists, commenting on the electoral results of his party.

The leader of Potami expressed his gratitude towards his volunteers, saying: "We won't betray you" and noted that their vote was not a vote of anger, but a vote of logic and courage.

He went on to congratulate SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras for his great victory and said Potami expects him to meet his responsibilities.

"But this is no time for celebrations," he added. "The country needs to strengthen its position in Europe, heal its wounds and enter a path of growth. We need big changes and wide social alliances. Greece will not change just because a party will have, if it has them, 151 lawmakers. We need large majorities and a patriotic action plan."

Theodorakis described as a "bad sign" the smaller participation in this year's election compared to 2012 and especially the higher percentage of votes received by Golden Dawn, saying that at some point we will have to seek the real reason why half a million Greeks decided to vote in a reactionary way at this crucial time.

The leader of Potami finally noted that his party will be "present" on Monday to say "yes" when it agrees and "no" when the country is at risk, offering specific solutions.

[03] Independent Greeks (ANEL) leader to meet with Tsipras on Monday, rules out collaboration with To Potami

In his statements Kammenos said he had contacted Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) leader Alexis Tsipras to congratulate him. ANEL, he said, will help so that "this new social and political reality is stabilised for the good of the country, the nation and the Greek people."

"I contacted Mr. Tsipras, congratulated him on his victory and said that the Independent Greeks, as we had said from the first moment, will support the change of the political scene in our country, based on the principles that we have publicly stated," he said.

Kammenos said the time had come "to rebuild what was destroyed by the memorandums and to free Greece from the chains of subjugation. Today is a time of responsibility for all Greeks, regardless of ideological and political beliefs." It is time for all Greeks to come together, as the electoral results create a new social and political reality.

In press statements later, from his party's office, Kammenos said he would be meeting with Tsipras on Monday. Ruling out collaboration with To Potami, he said, "We are not going to work with a government that includes To Potami."

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