Greek opposition leader calls on PM to resign
- 12 years ago
Political opponents come together in Greece to discuss the country's unresolved debt crisis.
Conservative party leader Andonis Samaras meets with President Karolos Papoulias as Greeks struggle over whether to accept more international aid -- and the controversial cuts that come with it.
(SOUNDBITE) (Greek) OPPOSITION CONSERVATIVE NEW DEMOCRACY PARTY LEADER, ANDONIS SAMARAS, SAYING:
"I realize there is anxiety in the Greek people, Mr. President, every one of us has to take their responsibility, and we have to send a message of stability and trust abroad, and a meaning of stability and normality internally."
Prime Minister George Papandreou, who has already administered deeply unpopular cuts, is scrambling to form a unity government to pass the bailout package.
But as he left the presidential palace, Samaras called on the PM to resign.
(SOUNDBITE) (Greek) LEADER OF MAIN OPPOSITION PARTY NEW DEMOCRACY, ANDONIS SAMARAS, SAYING:
"Mr. Papandreou won't decide what he is going to do and he is blocking any solution. As long as Mr. Papandreou does not resign he is blocking the constitution. I am determined to help, if he resigns everything will take its course."
European leaders expect to hear whether Greece can reach consensus to avoid bankruptcy Monday.
Lindsey Parietti, Reuters
Conservative party leader Andonis Samaras meets with President Karolos Papoulias as Greeks struggle over whether to accept more international aid -- and the controversial cuts that come with it.
(SOUNDBITE) (Greek) OPPOSITION CONSERVATIVE NEW DEMOCRACY PARTY LEADER, ANDONIS SAMARAS, SAYING:
"I realize there is anxiety in the Greek people, Mr. President, every one of us has to take their responsibility, and we have to send a message of stability and trust abroad, and a meaning of stability and normality internally."
Prime Minister George Papandreou, who has already administered deeply unpopular cuts, is scrambling to form a unity government to pass the bailout package.
But as he left the presidential palace, Samaras called on the PM to resign.
(SOUNDBITE) (Greek) LEADER OF MAIN OPPOSITION PARTY NEW DEMOCRACY, ANDONIS SAMARAS, SAYING:
"Mr. Papandreou won't decide what he is going to do and he is blocking any solution. As long as Mr. Papandreou does not resign he is blocking the constitution. I am determined to help, if he resigns everything will take its course."
European leaders expect to hear whether Greece can reach consensus to avoid bankruptcy Monday.
Lindsey Parietti, Reuters