The Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras presented the main goals of the national salvation government, as he called it, in Parliament on Sunday. At the start of his speech, Mr. Tsipras stated that “the recovery popular sovereignty and addressing the social crisis are the main goals of the national salvation government”, adding that he is fully aware of the difficulties that lie ahead and the responsibility he has assumed.
He later referred to a vision of a financially independent Greece, which is going through a hard negotiation with the country’s partners, however he stressed that the government would realize this visions and with the people’s support, a financially independent Greece will be constructed.
Mr. Tsipras argued that “our only commitment is to serve our people’s interest, the national interest” and that “the government will irreversibly uphold and implement its election proclamations”. The Prime Minister explained that “this commitment is the non-negotiable core of the government’s policy – it is a matter of honor, trust and respect to Democracy”.
Rather than speak in general terms about benefits, Mr. Tsipras made a series of specific announcements. This included measures to address the humanitarian crisis, (namely food, electricity and healthcare) and rehiring the cleaning staff, school wardens and administrative employees at the universities.
At the same time the Prime Minister announced a series of cutbacks, starting the MP privileges. Specifically Mr. Tsipras decided to reduce staff at the PM’s office by 30% and his security guard by 40%. Furthermore, one of the three aircraft used by the PM will be sold, while the number of ministerial consultants will also be reduced. The PM also noted that the President of parliament would examine whether the MPs right to a car can be abolished.
Part of the measures and proclamations will be implemented by the end of June 2015, namely until the end of the “bridging program” which the government is pursuing, while the rest will gradually be implemented until the completion of the government’s 4-year term.
At the end of his speech the Prime Minister became emotional as he stressed that “we are flesh from the people’s flesh, which we will serve until the end”, at which point he received a standing ovation from the MPs of SYRIZA and Independent Greeks. Mr. Tsipras publicly thanked Independent Greeks leader Panos Kammenos for forming the coalition government and stressed that the demands regarding the Occupation loan and German reparations were a mater of national duty.
The government’s ambition is to prove to the country’s partners that it is willing to discuss the implementation of the bridging program, while making it clear that it will not request an extension of the previous program and will not accept any review by the troika, at least not in its present form.
The discussion of the government’s policy statement will begin at 11am on Monday and will conclude at midnight on Tuesday with a roll-call vote.
Watch the discussion on the government’s policy statement in Parliament
