Less than a week ahead of general elections , Prime Minister Antonis Samaras appealed to Greek voters to back his New Democracy party, in what he characterized as “the most critical election battle” of the last decades.

In statements to the Proto Thema newspaper, Mr. Samaras appeared optimistic, despite results of recent opinion polls that point to a main opposition victory.

The premier attacked main opposition leader Alexis Tsipras, accusing him of arrogance and political hooliganism, while he predicted that even if SYRIZA emerges as the “first-past-the-post” winner of the upcoming elections, it won’t stay in power for long.

With regard to ND’s plans if re-elected to power, the PM said a new ND government intends to cooperate with other pro-European political forces in Greece. Read bellow excerpts from Mr. Samaras interview to Proto Thema, on a variety of issues.

On the issue of undecided voters

“When the gap between the two parties that come first in the polls is within the margin of error, the outcome of the elections depends primarily on the undecided voters. Currently, the number of those is very big, despite the fact that only a week remains until the elections. It is crucial that every Greek citizen votes in this elections, even the ones who didn’t in the previous years. Everyone should understand that this is the most critical election battle of the last decades.”

On his refusal to participate in a televised debate with Tsipras

“I refuse to engage in dialogue with defamers … Here we have a young man who is sinking deeper and deeper in a quagmire of arrogance and political hooliganism. I refuse to stoop to his level!”

On the scenario of a SYRIZA victory

“I am sure that New Democracy will emerge as the winner of the elections. However, if SYRIZA wins and doesn’t fulfill its promises as a government, it won’t stay long in power. The problem is that the country will experience, in this case, a period of ungovernability and instability, which would take a great toll on Greece. This would be a shame, as we are very close to exiting the crisis. We do not deserve a new ordeal. And this is understood by all Greeks.”