National Economy and Finance Minister and Eurogroup President Kyriakos Pierrakakis is in Drama. Answering questions from journalists, he said:
“Forty-eight valuable ecclesiastical artefacts are returning to our country after 109 years. They are returning under an intergovernmental agreement between Greece and Bulgaria, which the Holy Synod welcomed. Let me add that all our claims can be pursued more systematically precisely because we have started this process. I think that is far more substantive and effective than any slogan. I also heard some people use the term ‘sell-off’. I cannot understand how the return of national treasures to our country amounts to a sell-off. Someone would have to explain that to me. You know, slogans are easy in national politics. But substance—and the pursuit of a genuine national claim—is judged by results, negotiation and persistence. That is exactly what I saw.”
Journalist: Poor road links have been a sore point for Drama in the past. We have two outstanding road projects: the Drama-Kavala road axis and the route towards Anthoupoli.
Kyriakos Pierrakakis: “I understand that some things are already under way and a contractor has been appointed. But because this is a public-private partnership, there are some outstanding financing issues. I am, of course, being kept informed about everything by the mayor, the local MP and the regional governor. That is precisely why I am here: to listen to you and, working with my colleagues in government, find solutions to the issues that concern you. I will be in Drama and the region today and tomorrow. And I will come back. Thank you very much.”