The Alternate Minister of National Defence Panos Rigas, during a discussion on Tuesday 11 June 2019, at the OPEN TV station mentioned the following, among other things:
On the subject of A. Tsipras’ speech:
This government took over the country in disastrous conditions and a state of bankruptcy. We concluded a very difficult agreement which was completed in August 2018, putting an end to the memoranda and gaining a certain degree of freedom. Throughout this period, we proved that the austerity policy enforced on us in previous years, was unfortunate, to say the least. So, within the occupied financial space, the government chose the appropriate time to move forward with the enactment of certain positive measures for pensions, the tax allowance limit, plus further measures regarding society, based on the certified financial data. They do not constitute benefits, but rebate of the super primary surplus. In the previous period we did not have the funds required to proceed. We did not choose the restriction of the social welfare state. These choices were made by others from 2010 to 2014, with disastrous results for society. Our basic aim is to prohibit the expansion of inequalities, because if this happens then the country will face major problems in its course to development, a fact which is not understood by the New Democracy party.
The Prime Minister presented yesterday a fully cost estimated programme, providing for everyone and not only for the few and the advantageous. A programme including 12 emblematic commitments for materialisation, with a specific timeline beginning right after election day, which the Greek people are called to evaluate and authorise by themselves, for the first time after a decade, without requiring troika’s prior authorisation.
The continuation of the last four years’ steady course is of paramount importance. The benefits secured by the Greek people must not be called into question and the country must not be governed again by those who led it to bankruptcy.
With regard to concerns about a hot incident in the Aegean:
The Greek people should not be concerned. Recently but also historically Turkey has shaped an aggressive setting. On the other hand, we have shaped a setting which contributes to peace and stability and the peaceful resolution of problems in this wider and difficult region. We have managed to achieve a decent understanding, despite conflicting interests. The Armed Forces will safeguard the country’s integrity and our sovereign rights.
Mr Simitis, in his public statement, made some implications, denoting a yielding stance. I would propose to someone who is equally responsible for the financial crisis and at the same time, due to his institutional role, a protagonist during the events on Imia, to be very careful and contemplate once more his deeds and the way he shaped certain conditions. This article can cause problems with reference to our national interests.
