Venizelos: Greece must have a government tomorrow

"The country doesn't have any time to lose. Instead of exploratory mandates, we must proceed immediately to a meeting between the leaders and the President of the Republic so that Greece can have a government. Everyone is now face to face with their responsibilities. With our stance, we shall honour the people's vote and support. The country cannot withstand the lack of governance."

This is the statement made by PASOK president Evangelos Venizelos on Sunday evening, a short while after the announcement of results by the Interior Ministry.

Mr. Venizelos stressed that despite the pressure exerted on PASOK, the party persevered both politically and in terms of numbers, while he also made the point that "there is absolutely no leeway for political games."

"If we want Greece to remain in the euro, we must have a government tomorrow," he mentioned characteristically and added that what is required is a government of joint national responsibility, at least with the participation of ND, SYRIZA and PASOK.

Earlier, protothema.gr had reported that in anticipation of the official results, party members expressed the view that the country must have a government the soonest possible.

"ND, PASOK and DIMAR are in agreement about this. It is up to SYRIZA to decide whether they want to be a part of the national effort or if they are only interested in their election ratings," as PASOK is claiming. In this framework, Ippokratous will discuss their participation in the national effort which must be made in order for the country to remain in the Eurozone.

The form of participation will depend on the fιnal configuration of political correlations and the stance maintained by the other parties. In any case, it is obvious that a new round of discussions, alliances and collaborations is under way. "The time has come to carve out the new dividing lines between the responsible forces and populism", as they are saying in PASOK.

However, before Evangelos Venizelos reveals his hand, PASOK will force SYRIZA to declare their position. Among close associates of the president, the view is that SYRIZA must participate to ensure the unity of the national effort.

This is a divisive issue among party members as Mr. Venizelos himself is cautious, while top members such as Anderas Loverdos and Anna Diamantopulou are saying that PASOK must move independently of Koumoundourou.