–Hints At Need For Early Elections In 2012

By Angelika Papamiltiadou

CANNES, France (MNI) – In an unprecedented move, Greek Finance
Minister and Government Vice President Evangelos Venizelos on Thursday
announced to parliament that the popular referendum on the latest
bailout programme was cancelled.

Venizelos took the floor right after Prime Minister Papandreou, who
did not explicitly say the referendum was off. Speaking to his cabinet
earlier, the prime minister had merely said he was willing to consider
cancelling the vote, since main opposition party, New Democracy, stated
it would approve the new lending agreement.

Venizelos was very clear: “The government and the country announce
officially that there will be no referendum.” He stressed that the
primary goal for Greece is now to regain credibility and reverse the
negative climate worldwide.

“We have to reaffirm to our EU partners that we will implement
fully all decisions and agreements taken October 26. Both the prime
minister and myself will send letters to our colleagues explaining our
road map,” he said.

What matters is the economic and financial security of the country,
Venizelos said, reiterating that the banking system is “secured”.

Venizelos presented a 10-point programme for the next few months
which includes the disbursement of the sixth tranche of aid. He
reiterated that the without further outside financing, country would run
out of cash by December 15 and, therefore, all decisions must be taken
and implemented by then.

The finance minister called on the European Commission, the IMF and
the ECB inspectors to return to Greece as early as Friday and to begin
negotiations on the details of the new bailout plan.

“The negotiations must be concluded by the end of the year and the
PSI participation details must be hammered down by early 2012,” he said.
“We must get the E8 billion. And the new lending plan must be approved
by 180 MPs”.

But it was his tenth point that raised some eyebrows.

Venizelos, after explaining the road map, he said that “all of what
I have stated so far must be put to the Greek people’s judgment” —
hinting that in early 2012, elections should be on the table. He said
that he did not oppose the idea of a transition government and that the
country “needs a stable government right now.”

Shortly after Papandreou’s and Venizelos’ speeches, PASOK PMs tried
to take the floor and address questions to the prime minister.

Vasso Papandreou demanded early elections and the premier’s
resignation. Two other MPs wanted a clear stance from Papandreou
regarding the elections, but they got no reply.

After the tension, the session was abruptly put to an end.

A senior government official told Market News International that
“Papandreou insists he can go forward as it is and hopes to get a vote
of confidence tomorrow evening by his party’s members.”

The official added that the dilemma for party is that there is no
time for elections, coalitions or transition government right now since
negotiations on the new bailout plan are ongoing and the country’s euro
membership is at stake.

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