Rearguard fight by the presidential guard

"I never set any conditions with the political leaders", Papademos said in his first statement. "We stick to what we have said so far" replied Papandreou’s colleagues, who kept saying during the previous days that the name of the former Central Banker came off the table because ND disagreed with his terms. As if this were not enough, the  same Papandreou partners stated that he and the PO of PASOK will be the guarantors of the agreement to proceed with the consolidation of banks and the mass media. "Lucas will not accept a cap" by anyone was the strict answer of the people who know the new prime minister.

"Everybody is a guarantor. Everyone will be judged by their effectiveness, but also the consistency of their words and deeds", they added.

Meanwhile, the fact that PASOK was represented by George Papandreou's office director at the meeting for the new government, caused a painful impression in the party. "Thsi is while ND sent its secretary and LAOS its vice president." PASOK members said they refuse to believe the rumors that "George wants the foreign affairs ministry". 

"It will destroy us", the MPs said, either way getting ready to pose an issue of leadership. And these are not the usual suspects of intra-party opposition.