"9.3 billion euros will go to the real economy"

With his statement in the form of a "policy proclamation" to the Greek people, prime minister Antonis Samaras attempted to capitalize on the political gains from yesterday's Eurogroup agreement and draft the context of future political developments.

The PM said that "now the road is open for the rebirth of the country after the vindication of the government's strategy," adding that they ensured Greece’s stay in the euro and that there will not be any other measures.

He also said that "the agreement provides for the immediate disbursement of funds that will stay in the country. The large part of the 31.5 billion euros will go toward the recapitalization of banks and 7 billion will go directly into the economy for the obligations of the state. The recapitalization of banks will guarantee the deposits of citizens and provide liquidity in the economy. The interest rates paid by Greece will hereafter be among the lowest in Europe. We will not pay interest for ten years and amortization for 15 years. Most importantly, the total debt was reduced by 20%. This is a reward for the sacrifices of the Greek people and it paves the way for the growth and regeneration of our country. We did it together, all the Greeks with their sacrifices and those who believed in our policy. All these things were subject to tough negotiations in many parts of the world. We have succeeded in extending the adjustment period and preventing the creation of an external account. We have ensured that there will not be any further reductions in wages, pensions and benefits. Our strategy was vindicated as was expected by few, but we still have a lot to do in the areas of growth and investment in order to create new jobs."

Samaras stressed the importance of the Greek people’s unity and the competitiveness of the Greek economy, and thanked all those who contributed to this success, separately the other two political leaders, Vangelis Venizelos and Fotis Kouvelis, as well as members of the coalition.

"This success belongs to all the people; all the Greeks will benefit from yesterday’s Eurogroup agreement. We Greeks are born for difficult situations and it is there that we give it our best," Samaras ended his statement.