Maximou: "If they want, let them overthrow him while he is in Cannes"

The most critical cabinet in two years is about to start in a few minutes. The Prime Minister is trying to avoid the deathly embrace that has been created by the political developments of the last hours. Information indicates that Mr. George Papandreou is unwilling to “obey” the calls of PASOK parliamentarians who have asked him to resign, applying for the formation of a government of national salvation.

It is indeed significant that the Prime Minister’s office announced that Mr. Papandreou will attend the G20 meeting in Cannes, on the sidelines of which there will be a new working dinner for Greece, attended by French President Nicolas Sarkozy, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy, the President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso, the Prime Minister of Luxembourg and the head of the Eurozone Jean Claude Juncker, the President of the ECB Mario Draghi and the IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde.

The Prime Minister’s environment is trying to utilise this development to uphold and enhance the image of the Prime Minister. “This development is particularly important for the country and its interests”, was the statement issued by Maximou Mansion.

The PM’s speech on the debate about the vote of confidence in the Government will take place on Thursday.

PASOK MPs state that they are becoming independent, others are sending letters seeking a national salvation government or are asking the President to call for a meeting of political leaders towards that purpose.

Evangelos Venizelos let leak his opposition to the referendum, as well as other top party members such as Andreas Loverdos.

Andreas Loverdos made it clear that he does not, and will not agree to a referendum.

The Deputy PM has also been receiving requests that Giorgos Papandreou step down from Prime Minister.

Mr. Pagkalos who is on a visit to Canton, China, is at this time probably not going to return to Athens “on time” in order to not partake in the crucial voting of next Friday on the vote of confidence in the government!

If the deputy PM insists on his opinion and does not take part in the vote, it will be a strong sign of disapproval of the PM by Mr. Pagkalos, considered the architect of government policy until the end of 2010.

According to information, ministers and parliamentarians are awaiting the PM to resign or call for elections. If he does not, the vote of confidence is not certain to end well. Faced with pressures, Maximou announced that Papandreou will be attending the G20 meeting.