At the center of the government’s economic measures, private debt and support for households. The Minister of National Economy and Finance presented the key provisions of the new omnibus bill, placing particular emphasis on the broad package of measures for managing private debt, which he described as the largest since the economic crisis.
Among other things, he announced the immediate implementation of new regulations regarding the out-of-court settlement mechanism, the 72-installment payment plan, the increase in the exemption threshold, and the strengthening of protections for primary residences, while announcing the extension until September 30 of the arrangement for Swiss franc loans, due to increased borrower participation. At the same time, he foreshadowed measures to attract investment capital and relocate international funds to Greece, as well as a transitional regime for plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Referring to international developments, the Eurogroup president highlighted the impact of the crisis in the Middle East on energy and inflation, while reiterating that decisions regarding the benefits to be provided at the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair (TIF) will be made once the available fiscal space has been finalized. At the same time, he expressed his conviction that the government’s ability to form a single-party government in the upcoming elections remains a feasible goal.
Reporter: We have a guest in the studio. The Minister of National Economy and Finance and President of the Eurogroup, Mr. Kyriakos Pierrakakis. It’s a great pleasure to have you here, Mr. Minister. Who would have thought we’d have the President of the Eurogroup in the studio?
Kyriakos Pierrakakis: Good morning
Reporter: If someone had told me that 15 years ago, I would have said it was more likely that I’d become a billionaire like Trump. But these things do happen.
Well, good morning. Thank you very much for joining us.
Kyriakos Pierrakakis: It’s mypleasure .
Reporter: We’ve coordinated with Vasilis here to see how we’ll approach this: there’s a bill—an omnibus bill—that includes the 150 euros for each child. It also includes a package of measures regarding private debt. Is there any other provision in this bill besides the ones that are widely known? Because the 150-euro payment, let’s say, we already knew about that. Those who are expecting it were expecting it anyway. Is there anything else?
Kyriakos Pierrakakis: We’ve been in the process of continuously adding new provisions to the bill. In other words, even the increase in the exemption threshold that I announced in Parliament a few days ago—you’ll see that there as well.
But we’ve also sought to make other additions—to give you one example: there are a great many funds around the world that we want to attract to Greece in some way—as part of their operations. We couldn’t do that before. In fact, I would say that, especially in light of what’s happening in the Strait of Hormuz, there are many “opportunities” in our broader region. Greece is considered an island of stability, and so many people want to come and relocate here. There was no secure and stable framework in place for this. Because, here, we’re not just talking about tax incentives.
We’re talking about clarity in the process, in a specific part of these activities, of this value chain: so that the executives of these organizations, for example, know that if they come to our country, there is predictability in the institutional framework and they will be taxed in this way if there is significant economic activity that they bring here.
These provisions will be included in the bill; that is, there will be a provision that provides clarity regarding what we tax here and what we tax abroad as part of these activities, and provided that the economic activity coming into our country is significant (over 3 million euros per year), then they will be eligible for certain beneficial provisions of the law. We have done this before; since the 1980s, we have enacted such provisions to attract economic activity to our country.
I believe that the more Greece is viewed—as I mentioned earlier—as a beacon of stability in our region in general, the more you will see people wanting to relocate here, provided the institutional framework allows it. This is one such example.
Reporter: What will ultimately happen with hybrid cars? For example, will the change in their tax treatment be implemented? Will you proceed with structural changes following the market’s reaction? What does it entail?
Reporter: Is there anything like that in the bill?
Kyriakos Pierrakakis: It is included in the bill. We are opting for a solution for plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) that combines environmental goals with common sense. What is Europe’s strategic direction, Mr. Skouris? The strategic direction is a gradual transition to electric mobility. However, we do not want this to happen in a way that catches citizens and businesses off guard—especially those who have already made decisions—so what will we do? We will extend the current system of graduated tax credits ranging from 50% to 75% for Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs) based on their emissions, and we will ensure that vehicles imported into the country from November 1, 2025, through May 31, 2026, that have not yet been registered, will not face sudden additional charges. Specifically, Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs) with emissions of up to 75 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer will continue to receive a 75% exemption from the registration fee. And starting January 1, 2027, a uniform 50% discount will apply to all Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs) regardless of emissions.
In other words, by doing this, we’ve provided extra time, allowing the market—which requested it—to adapt more effectively. We’re avoiding unfairness toward those who had already placed orders, while also maintaining a steady course toward electrification.
Reporter: Since you mention extra time, you also granted an extension to the Swiss franc regulation. What does that mean? Does it mean there hasn’t been a response so far? Or does it mean you’re giving people more time to comply with what you initially announced?
Kyriakos Pierrakakis: The program has gone very well—in fact, it has gone better than most people, including those within the Ministry, had expected. We have approximately 14,000 borrowers who have expressed interest and have submitted applications to join the program, and given that we see the program taking hold, we have determined that more time—extra time—should be granted, so an extension will be granted, as you mentioned, through the current bill, so that more and more of our fellow citizens can benefit from the provisions of this arrangement.
Reporter: It will remain as is, though—it won’t change?
Kyriakos Pierrakakis: It will remain as is. The provision will not change. But when you see that something like this is being embraced by the public… how many years have we been discussing the Swiss issue?
Reporter: Ever since the Swiss franc system began.
Kyriakos Pierrakakis: We introduced a regulation that incorporates elements of fairness; we developed it in collaboration with all the relevant state institutions. There is also a haircut. The approach varies depending on your income level. Given all these factors, this arrangement was the right one, and precisely for that reason—because we see that it is working—we have chosen to give people more time.
Reporters: How long?
Kyriakos Pierrakakis: It will essentially be one quarter, until September 30.
Reporters: Now, regarding private debt. You’re introducing a comprehensive package of measures: 72 installments, an increase in the exemption threshold, and improvements to primary residence protection. When will these measures be implemented in practice?
Kyriakos Pierrakakis: Immediately. We’re enacting them within the month. That’s why we’re introducing the bill now—we’re moving very quickly. This is an issue that has been on the Prime Minister’s mind, and it has been on mine as well. Private debt. We hear about these issues on your show and, more broadly, from the public. The problem isn’t as big as it is in the rest of Europe, but as long as there’s even one citizen facing a problem, the state cannot fail to respond.
So, we put together a package of measures. The 72-installment plan is one part of it. For me, the out-of-court settlement program is the most important, and it’s also one of the most significant initiatives the government has undertaken overall. A lot of people have enrolled in the out-of-court settlement program. Let me read you the number: we have 62,000 successful settlements, and initial debts totaling 19.2 billion euros have been settled.
Behind all these numbers lie thousands of families—families who had been struggling for many, many years. So, what did we choose to do? We chose to use the out-of-court settlement program as an even more powerful tool to help society:
- We lowered the eligibility threshold from 10,000 euros to 5,000 euros.
- At the same time, we transformed the out-of-court settlement into a tool for protecting primary residences.
- We are also implementing the 72-installment payment plan.
- At the same time, we are raising the limit on the unseizable bank account.
All of these measures together constitute a comprehensive social support package—as you said, and I think that’s a very fair description—it is the largest social support package regarding private debt that has been implemented since the crisis.
Reporter: Since you mention this, are you concerned about the level of private debt? It’s quite high, isn’t it? And is this part of a broader strategy for its gradual reduction?
Kyriakos Pierrakakis: Systemically , no. Socially, yes. Let me explain what I mean. Systemically, no, because it’s lower than the European average. While in Europe we are somewhere around 121% of GDP—I mean private debt—and in Greece we are at 94–94.5%, if I’m not mistaken, we are, in fact, in a better position than the rest of Europe. We’re lower, but that doesn’t mean the government, the Minister of Finance, or the Ministry of Finance won’t address even a single family facing difficulties. We must rise above every problem. So, obviously, this concerns us. Obviously, it concerns me. There are thousands of stories from people listening to us.
Reporter: Loans are essentially what this is all about, to a large extent. Isn’t that right?
Kyriakos Pierrakakis: That’s why , and what you do there, you give people tools. And you give people the right tools. Tools that, on the one hand, don’t disrupt the payment culture. Because Greece, let’s be honest now—why are we in a better position? Greece is a country that’s now running surpluses. It’s a country with positive growth. It’s reducing its public debt. All of that is good. On the other hand, however, there are people who accumulated debt during the crisis. They suffered during the crisis. We must help them keep their heads above water. I’m sorry, but that is our obligation. And I see it as my own obligation as well.
So, what should you do there? You want a government that lends a helping hand. You don’t want a government that wags its finger. So you have to find the right balance. The golden mean in how you treat people. And in what kind of tools you offer them. So that’s exactly what we’re trying to do.
You see… even with the Swiss franc, which I heard about in the early days. The opposition always criticizes everything. They want 150% on every issue. Perhaps they realize that’s their job. But you can see that people are embracing the Swiss franc arrangement. Just like with all these other measures, including the out-of-court settlement. As soon as we provide a tool that works, people come and embrace it. Because it’s designed based on people’s needs.
Reporter: Parapolitika 90.1. Here with us in the studio is the President of the Eurogroup and Minister of Finance, Mr. Kyriakos Pierrakakis. Minister, what is the current status of the Real Estate Acquisition and Leaseback Agency? Was there ultimately a binding offer? What do you say? The process has been excessively delayed. Many people are speaking out about this.
Kyriakos Pierrakakis: It was an extremely complex issue. There are things you can get done in a matter of days. As you well know, Mr. Skouris, we’ve spoken many times. I’ve served as a minister in a ministry where we got things done within 24 hours. Remember the Digital Ministry… there are things you can resolve in a few hours. There are other matters that are far more complex and require private-sector involvement, institutional planning, tenders… tenders inherently have different timelines… well, that took time. But on the other hand, we’re in the home stretch. We’re in the final stage of implementation. On May 29, we received the binding bids. The process of evaluating the final bids has already begun. We have a bid, so to speak.
Please allow me, however, not to say anything more at this point; it must be evaluated, and the final announcements will be made afterward. I will say that the Agency—so that everyone listening to us fully understands—is a social policy tool. What does it do? It gives vulnerable debtors the opportunity to remain in their primary residence for 12 years as tenants. They receive a government rent subsidy and have the right to repurchase the property at the end of the term. In other words, all of this together—take it all—is a second chance for people. Because on the one hand, there will be the Agency…
Reporter: …but this was announced during the first four-year term of the Mitsotakis administration...
Kyriakos Pierrakakis: …I’m not saying “will.” I’m saying “is.” I’m saying it’s ready. I’m saying that bids were submitted on May 29. There’s a bid, and it will be operational in the fall. Specific details. As you know, I’m specific.
Reporter: This year?
Kyriakos Pierrakakis: Yes , yes, this year. So, given that—after all, I had the opportunity to announce it this fall, recently on Power Game and at the relevant conference—so, these are the facts and they will not be violated. Also, let me say that during this entire period, no one was left unprotected. There was the interim Vulnerable Debtors Protection Program. And in this way, enforcement proceedings were suspended, and we also had a state subsidy. But let me add something. You mention the “Agency”… The Agency is one part of it. Should I also mention the out-of-court settlement?
Because, as I told you earlier, the out-of-court settlement is also a tool for protecting primary residences. A tool for safeguarding primary residences, rather. Because people can now go through the out-of-court process, say, “I just want to protect my primary residence,” get a larger principal reduction, have a lower monthly payment, and, in this way, better support their primary residence. So, on the one hand, there will be the Agency, and on the other, we will have out-of-court settlement as a tool. We will have all the tools for private debt restructuring.
All of these are tools available to the public.
Journalist: Since we’re on the subject of private debt, we had that recent court ruling regarding the Katseli Law. PASOK certainly, SYRIZA certainly, and perhaps other parties as well, are calling for this ruling to be implemented and for an adjustment of interest rates that would affect monthly installments. Are you considering taking an initiative in this direction?
Kyriakos Pierrakakis: Let me say, first of all, that the Opposition jumped the gun. And they jumped the gun by a long shot, because I heard the comments. If I were asked to bet on the comments I heard from a very large portion of the Opposition regarding the decision—assuming they’ve even read it—I would bet overwhelmingly that they haven’t read it. Do you know why? Because it is an extremely complex and thorough decision. When you hear me say from day one that the services of an entire Ministry of Finance, whose staff remain constant regardless of whether governments change, are studying this decision in depth—because there are so many different scenarios—it’s obvious that the ease with which someone can come out and say, you know, a “sound bite”—which may sound very appealing to the public, but in practice may reveal someone who hasn’t even bothered to read the text…that’s not exactly our job. Our job is to be specific.
So, to conclude: there is no question of failing to implement a Supreme Court decision. The decision will be implemented. The discussion is: what is the best way to implement the decision?
And the discussion is: whether and, if so, what additional steps—to be proposed by the Ministry of Finance’s departments—are needed.
Reporter: Legislative…
Kyriakos Pierrakakis: …that’s where we stand, then. We’re still studying the decision because it’s extremely thorough and complex, and we’ll need a little more time. No one has said that the decision won’t be implemented. No one has said anything else…
Reporter: …in what direction, because they’re saying the ruling is vague…
Kyriakos Pierrakakis: …because there are many different scenarios… well, we have a Ministry of Finance with very capable officials who are studying it and will find the best way to implement it. Period. That’s what we’ve said. No one has spoken of not implementing it, nor of anything else. Many people are jumping to conclusions. That’s what I’ll say.
Reporter: Let’s move on to another, perhaps even more significant issue, because it concerns absolutely everyone… whether there is an agreement to end the war in the Middle East. We see that an agreement will be signed. There are still 60 days to go; we don’t know how things will play out… we hope the war will come to an end… When do you estimate that positive effects will begin to be felt on the economy and, above all, on fuel and energy prices?
Kyriakos Pierrakakis: We’realready seeing a de-escalation depending on the news, as far as Brent is concerned…
Reporter: …very slow…
Kyriakos Pierrakakis: …exactly. The rise is always faster than the decline. That’s the rule. I’ll repeat something I’ve been saying since day one. And in my capacity as President of the Eurogroup…what were the three issues we were looking at in relation to the crisis? The first thing we looked at was its duration. The second thing we had to look at was the depth of the problem that arose in the meantime regarding the energy infrastructure in the Middle East. Why? Because this affects supply chains. And the third factor—and I had the opportunity to reiterate this last week at the Eurogroup—is the institutional framework that will be in place in the Straits immediately afterward. So, assuming all three factors are positive…
Reporter: …if there are tolls, let’s say, you’re saying…
Kyriakos Pierrakakis: …for us, tolls are unacceptable; I’ll say that clearly. So, provided that the Straits remain open, provided that damage to the Straits is very limited, and provided that the entire process comes to a clear conclusion—and given all three of these conditions—even so, it will take a year of adjustment to return to the previous situation. It remains to be seen who that will be…
Reporter: A year… do you mean one year?
Kyriakos Pierrakakis: …a certain period of adjustment, that’s what I mean, not a calendar year. No, let’s not misunderstand this…but we’re still waiting to see the scope of the resolution. In any case, it is positive that we seem to be moving toward greater de-escalation; we are waiting to see exactly what the terms of the agreement are. I’ll tell you that we’ve seen how important it is for the Straits—through which 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas passes—to remain open, and what kind of impact this has on global prices, on inflation, and on issues such as fertilizers and supply chains…especially with regard to Asia, initially, and secondarily to us, as Europe.
So, the impact has been significant; it’s the main issue we’ve been discussing over the past few months. I would say, however, that this is an issue we need to monitor closely… the sooner the whole process is over, the better in terms of the overall impact on inflation.
Reporter: (Now, in your capacity as President of the Eurogroup)… Is Europe going to take any of these measures, or is this not an issue?
Kyriakos Pierrakakis: Europe has already taken measures. The Commission has already made an announcement. At this point, we need to address the issue of the “escape clause”—specifically, extending the escape clause for defense to also include energy infrastructure and energy investments, in light of the events we have experienced. Why am I saying this? Just a moment, so we can be clear about what we’re talking about. What is the escape clause, in principle? Because there are misunderstandings regarding this… Europe has a new fiscal rule—I’ve been repeating this over and over again, both in Parliament and to the Opposition—which involves programs worth 4 billion euros, 5 billion euros, 15 billion euros… The money you can spend now is the money you negotiate with Brussels, generally speaking, within the framework of the fiscal rule. That’s it. If you want to spend more, you have to tell us where you’ll get the money from. Who you’ll tax. One thing is certain. Second. What is the escape clause? I’m giving you greater flexibility over your money—that is, your own money—so you can channel it into specific things. Where did we do this? We did it in Defense. Why did we do this in Defense? Because Russia invaded Ukraine, and many countries—not us; we already had high defense spending—many countries did not have high defense spending. What is the Commission saying now? I’ll give you the opportunity to invest in energy infrastructure as well.
Why energy infrastructure? Because, Mr. Xenakis, Mr. Skouris, the IMF comes along and what does it tell us? Because you’ve been investing in energy infrastructure since 2022, you’re experiencing the crisis 12% less severely than you would have otherwise, thanks to your investments.
In other words, to put it simply for our listeners: The best social policy, ultimately, is not to provide short-term support. The best social policy is to make investments in the energy sector that will bring down costs in the medium term and, ultimately, help people far more than if you were to take action this week or next week.
Journalist: So, this clause we’re reading about that gives us a fiscal space of 1.5 billion euros—will that 1.5 billion euros be directed toward the energy sector?
Kyriakos Pierrakakis: Exactly. So, what does this 1.5 billion euros tell us? First of all, how is it structured? You can allocate it—the earliest would be in two years. You can spend a maximum of 750 and 750 for us. According to the decision, this money must be used for energy infrastructure. We’ll see exactly what the eligibility criteria are, as the technical term goes. In other words, where exactly can we put this money, where can we allocate these funds? What’s the rule? Put this money into energy infrastructure. In other words, don’t just—as they say—pass on the cost of energy for a single month to me. Do something that will actually lower energy costs for a long time and for a lot of people. Because the most important social policy—and I’d even say a policy for Europe’s competitiveness—is precisely this. This is what we need overall. We do not have a single energy market. The fact that we do not have a single energy market costs us as a Europe. It costs us as Greece as well. It affects everyone, from our industry to every household listening to us.
Reporter: So, Minister, will the measures announced at the Thessaloniki International Fair mainly concern businesses or individuals? Are measures on the table—I know—such as the reinstatement of the 13th pension payment, or a reduction in the advance tax payment for businesses…?
Kyriakos Pierrakakis: Well, what month is it now?
Reporter: …last year we were discussing this in February. Now it’s already June…
Kyriakos Pierrakakis: Sowe’re discussing the TIF; one of your colleagues asked me about the next TIF—what will you say? And that was last September. The answer is that the Prime Minister will decide in consultation with us on the economic team; obviously, before the TIF, in June and August, we’ll have this discussion to see what the measures will be and what the available fiscal space will be.
Journalists: Everything is very important... and for freelancers, the advance payment…
Kyriakos Pierrakakis: Everything is very important, but let me tell you this: The available fiscal space is smaller than many of the measures we’re discussing. Take, for example, what’s being said about the 13th pension, which amounts to 2.5 billion. Let me tell you: the fiscal space we had last year at the Thessaloniki International Fair was 1.76 billion euros. You can’t just do one thing for a single social group. We’ve made our choice: we’re giving out the 300 euros, and that covers 86% of pensioners.
Reporters: So, the decisions in August…
Kyriakos Pierrakakis: Yes , but what’s most important? We’re talking about real data, not abstract concepts. I view all measures that support society positively. But what’s the point? We shouldn’t tell people things that aren’t true. Throughout the post-dictatorship era, people have grown tired of hearing politicians speak of what is merely desirable or aspirational. No, that’s not why the country didn’t do well—excuse me—that’s why we went bankrupt. The country needs concrete positions on concrete figures. That is also my disagreement with the opposition, if I may say so. What is my disagreement? What kind of political competition does the country need? The opposition should come to Mitsotakis, Pierrakakis, Hatzidakis—to all of us—and say, “I disagree with the measures, but for the same amount, I propose you do this.” The opposition says, “You have 1.76 billion, and I’m announcing a 5-billion-euro package.” The fact that this 5 billion doesn’t exist is a mere detail for the opposition, but not for the people to whom we are accountable.
Reporters: You’re talking about economic indicators that are trending positively, and this is also confirmed by international rating agencies. On the other hand, the pressure on households is immense, and they don’t care about economic indicators—they just want to see their own purchasing power restored in some way, as they’ve lost a significant amount of it in recent years.
Kyriakos Pierrakakis: I’ve put what you’re saying, Mr. Xenakis, in even bolder terms. When you’re at the supermarket checkout, you don’t care about the country’s macroeconomic situation.
Journalists: Exactly. That’s right.
Kyriakos Pierrakakis: As a country,you have to stand on solid ground in order to demonstrate that you’re helping every person who is listening to us. Only then can you create a situation where the Minister of Finance can sit down with you for a discussion and we can talk. What measures will you take, and whom will you support? Do you realize that most European countries right now do not have the luxury of having this discussion? Because we have supported the country in recent years, we are in a position to announce additional measures every year—some in this half of the year, others in the next—and to provide ongoing support. In other words, we’re doing our best as time goes on. We’re raising the minimum wage. The minimum wage has risen significantly compared to what it was when we took office in 2019—it was 650 euros. And we’ve reached a point where it’s rising even further; we’re constantly making progress. We have the capacity to grow both wages and the economy. We have created 600,000 jobs. So, all of these are achievements. Building on these, then, month by month, week by week, measure by measure. Whether it’s raising the exemption threshold for private debt, a support measure for energy, or a tax exemption—which the Prime Minister will announce at the Thessaloniki International Fair—for families with three or four children, or emergency support. All of these are priorities we are setting, and every available euro that is available will be channeled back to those who are listening to us. And I’ll tell you something. This is the only real policy. The other is imaginary.
Reporters: Well, we have two political questions for Sotiris—one each—and we’ll let you go, because you really do have to leave. The first one stems from the part of the discussion where the possibility of a second election was raised. The Prime Minister himself mentioned it.
Now he’s talking about a single-round election. We know that you, too, held the same view from the start. Has the strategy changed? What will happen after the election, given that many believe it will be difficult to secure a majority?
Kyriakos Pierrakakis: How do you know that?
Journalists: From our reporting.
Kyriakos Pierrakakis: Wedon’t have two rounds of elections in Greece, Mr. Skouris. We’re not in the French presidential elections where we can say we have a primary round and then a second round. There is only one election. In elections, there are no rehearsals. There are only performances. So, I’m telling you right from the start that, as the Prime Minister has said, the electoral process is a single one and it produces results. And deciding who governs this country is a very, very serious matter. Why? Because it has been proven in practice what happens when someone governs the country but does not take it seriously.
So, the message from the appropriate source—namely, the Prime Minister—is that we have a lot of work ahead of us. A lot of political time ahead of us. And for us, political time is not a time for “sound bites” and empty rhetoric. Political time is the time for announcements of work. And for results for those who are listening to us.
Journalists: And what about a majority government?
Kyriakos Pierrakakis: Ibelieve it is entirely achievable. You know, at the end of the day, the electoral process… a mutual acquaintance of ours once told me that in politics there are two actions, not four. There is no addition or subtraction. There’s only multiplication and division. There are dynamics in politics. Either an upward dynamic or a downward dynamic. Generally speaking, I believe that people are less interested in being elected than in governing. Results, work—whether there’s a lot or a little. That’s what produces an election result and electoral interest.
Journalists: Let’s get a little more specific now. Last night, Mr. Tsipras said from Nice that in just a few days we’ve become a party and, according to the polls, the official opposition. Will we see a Mitsotakis-Tsipras two-horse race in the next elections? Will this be repeated in 2019 and 2023? Will he be your main political rival?
Kyriakos Pierrakakis: You know , I said recently that the advantage of choosing Mr. Tsipras is that people don’t need to imagine him—they’ve lived through him.
And along with Mr. Tsipras, there is also a Greece that people have experienced. There was a Greece—you coincidentally mentioned my current role in the Eurogroup. There was a time when Greece was effectively excluded from the Eurogroup meeting room, and now we find ourselves at a historic juncture where we hold the presidency.
I’m not saying this because the symbolic dimension is obviously significant and substantial. I’m not saying it because it implies everything. I’m saying this because there was the Greece of that era, which Mr. Tsipras managed. So, people need to ask themselves: Do they want that Greece to return, or do they want a Greece that is constantly moving forward? I won’t say that everything is perfect. With a steady course of progress and despite whatever mistakes, missteps, or weaknesses may occur, we need a government that constantly strives to improve itself and resolve these issues.
Reporters: Will that be your opponent?
Kyriakos Pierrakakis: I say that the people choose their opponents. You know, here’s the cliché answer. But as for that cliché answer, I happen to believe that a government’s opponent is never another political party. It’s the problems. You happen to be speaking to someone who actually believes what they’re saying. In the elections, people will see who has a serious answer to any problem and who is merely conjuring up images of the past or the future.
Are the elections about settling past scores, or are they a discussion about the future? Because I’ve heard far too many “sound bites” lately—civil war-like rhetoric; we’ve heard it all over the past month. Is that what people want, or do they want someone—anyone from any party—to sit down at the table? I’d say that’s what will define the opponent.
You know, your question is very interesting. Because your question essentially asks, who will be second. I find that very interesting. I don’t recall, however, that we’ve generally had a public debate in Greece about who will be second, traditionally.
Reporters: Mr. Tsipras said it: today we are the official opposition, and in a few months we will become the government.
Kyriakos Pierrakakis: We’re having a debate where political competition boils down to who will come in second. It’s too small a prize to warrant such a big debate. The real issue is who will bear the responsibility.
Reporters: Thank you, Mr. Minister.
Kyriakos Pierrakakis: Thank youas well.