After the January 25 Greek elections, the government and political parties “will have to shape our own European cooperation policy and initiate serious talks with our partners,” Former Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis commented earlier today. In a written statement, Simitis also expressed his concern on the country’s financial developments due to political uncertainty and highlighted the importance of the country’s European perspective. In addition, the Former Premier stressed that there is no such thing as “absolute autonomy” in the European Union, adding that “we are only interested in the Troika and the country’s funding,” while Greece is “isolated.” According to Simitis, the austerity policy is not permanent and parties must pursue “serious talks” with the country’s partners, while aiming to increase growth and secure a “more democratic operation” of the European Union as a whole. Simitis underlined that “Greece abstains from a wider European debate not only because of the electoral process, but also because the main political parties do not have certain views on our necessary goals, although they agree on the country’s European prospect.” In addition, referring to the European Union’s role, he explained that “it is not a private club in which only the chosen ones have a word. It is a joint project of freedom, development and adaptation to the new global conditions. The austerity policy is not an official rule. As a joint venture, it requires mutual solidarity and mutual contribution. When we ask for solidarity for our economic recovery, we must also creatively engage the common effort, with realistic thought. As this is not happening, we are considered fringe.”
 |
| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT greece.greekreporter.com |
