Kouvelis: A clear mandate for a coalition government and for remaining in the euro

"With their vote, the Greek people gave a clear mandate for a coalition government". This is what Fotis Kouvelis stated, and added that DIMAR will participate in the discussions on the exploratory mandates without a blank cheque to anyone.

Among other things, he mentioned that "the citizens asked for a government which will safeguard the country's remaining in the euro and did not give a mandate for any unilateral action which would lead out of the EU".

As he said, the people recorded their choice, which wants our country remaining in the euro and disentangling itself from the unfavourable terms of the memorandum through negotiation.

"DIMAR moved past the polarization and earned the trust of more people, which we will honour with trustworthy persons," Mr. Kouvelis added.

The DIMAR strategy

Mr. Kouvelis' associates are devising the startegy of the next few days and the terms which will determine whether DIMAR will be an active participant or if they will simply support the government scheme.

The party president's initial statements are characteristic. He said he will pursue the formation of a stable government with dependable members and with the focus on the country's stay in the euro and the disengagement from the burdensome memorandum terms, stressing that DIMAR will not be granting a blank cheque.

In addition, Mr. Kouvelis' close associates point out that DIMAR will be a factor contributing to the solution and that everything possible will be done to facilitate the formation of a government.

They underline that SYRIZA's participation is both desired and sought but as they explain, this is not a prerequisite for their own participation.

Furthermore, one of Mr. Kouvelis' close associates implied that the person of the Prime Minister will determine DIMAR's overall stance.

More specifically, he explained that "in consensus governments it would be preferable that a person enjoying broad consent be entrusted with prime ministerial duties".

Commenting on whether Samaras is the person most likely to become Prime Minister, the same source stated that "Russia too was most likely to win in yesterday's game, but the national team and Karagounis had other plans".

This phrase hints at the notion that if Samaras wishes to take on the Premiership, then DIMAR will most probably provide a tolerance vote, whereas if a person enjoying general consent is to be assigned to office, then DIMAR will be an active participant in the governemnt scheme.