Samaras Rules Out Rumored Triple elections & Gov't Reshuffle

Antonis Samaras (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In the Sunday edition of Kathimerini, Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras ruled out triple elections, as well as made it clear that a reshuffle is not in the government's plans for the immediate future.

In the interview, the Greek prime minister noted that if his concern was merely focused on partisan interests, then it would be to his advantage to hold triple elections, however, his priority -as he noted- is to seamlessly complete Greece's course to get through the crisis.

Commenting on the scenarios of forming another government under the present parliament, the premier was clear:

     "I believe, and I'm saying it clearly, these are scenarios of political disorder" and "will lead to chaos."

Samaras said that he currently spends his time and all of his energy on ways "to overcome the crisis, to turn deficits into surpluses, to reverse the bad image of the country abroad, to strengthen Greece's position in a increasingly restive international environment, to implement reforms against vested interests that are affected and do everything they can to render them vain, to achieve a further reduction in our debt and to achieve attracting new major investments."

So, if he had to consider such "moves" and "scenarios" of political disorder, then, according to him, he would be doing a favour to those wishing to see the country down to its knees and in absence of government, "and I am not doing this favour to anyone and for no reason".

     "I will not keep myself busy with those moving the dark," Samaras said, and immediately launched a stinging attack on the main opposition Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) leader Alexis Tsipras, accusing him of populism.

The Greek premier admitted that in 2013 citizens were over-taxed, and reiterates his intention to protect the poor and weak against home foreclosures. The Greek PM also said that he believes that a deal on the Hellenic Defence Industries (EAS) will soon be agreed upon with the troika.

Interestingly, Samaras does not appear to be worried about the results of crucial votes in parliament, noting that parliaments have shown absolute responsibility and have supported very tough bills that have already passed.

     "From now on, difficulties will be much smaller," he told Kathimerini, noting that the government has open ears and minds and listens to deputies of all parties.

He also reiterated his point of view that there are many MPs who in spite of opposing the government's policy are not planning to let a cycle of political disorder take over Greece.

     "There is also the common sense, a sense of national interest, if you will, that requires the government to complete its work and be judged by resultsa€¦instead being forced to leave its work in the middle, driving the country back into a lack of government. We are trying to move in top speed away from the brink of destruction, not to be returned there. And this is obvious not only to us in power, but also to many others," he stressed.

Finally, the premier also said that the decision to adjust the Greek debt should be taken by Greece's EU partners no later than the spring, suggesting that there are disagreements within the troika and at the same time underlining that there will be no new bailout memorandum.