"Unquitting" by himself and moving on with a government reshuffle

A general government reshuffle was announced by Prime Minister George Papandreou in his public address on Wednesday evening.

The prime minister blamed New Democracy for managing the situation too "communicatively" and not in terms of national responsibility on the matter of devising a new, widely accepted government.

He also stressed that this decision came after repeated efforts to achieve national consultation with political leaders, and noted that what is really important is addressing the threat of the debt.

The statement by the Prime Minister went as follows:

“The country is going through critical times. We must ensure a sense of national responsibility for the future of the country, dealing with the multifaceted crisis decisively. I took the responsibility of governance in a time when the country was on the brink of destruction and bankruptcy. We carried the sins of others on our shoulders”.

“We remain committed to the government, which has given a 20-month long battle to save the country. The country has remained upright, opening up prospects of major changes. I asked that this effort remain a common national effort. The task is national, not partisan. I made continuous efforts towards cooperation with the opposition parties”.

“Today, I returned with new proposals to the leaders of all parties in order to achieve the necessary national consultations. I clarified that I never relied my responsibility on my position and office. Despite my stance, the opposition managed to handle this whole effort in a communicative manner and not in a political and nationally responsible way. Even before the matter was discussed, unacceptable conditions were publicly put forth, since they will hold this country bound to prolonged instability and introversion, while handling the debt remains the key national issue”.

“I’ve learned in my life to give battles for home and country, citizens, values and the economy. Let us all assume our responsibilities forour actions. I will continue in the same way, on the path of duty, along with the PASOK Parliamentary Group, the executives and the Greek people”.

“Tomorrow, we will form a new government and soon after, I will ask for a confidence vote in parliament. It is time to be held accountable”.