“He does not leave the battle, nor does he remain stuck in his position. Yannis Stournaras has been raising the burden of negotiations of the country with its lenders since 2012 without waiting ” thumbs up ” and ” thank you” , but he does not negotiate his reputation, he won’t give it away to anyone and for any reason,” said associates of Finance Minister who know him well, commenting on Mr Stournaras “explosion” or his possible withdrawal from the economic team.

Mr. Yannis Stournaras will continue and stay in his position. He is still, though, exceedingly annoyed about the attitude of some members of the ruling party who believe that he is also responsible about the election result last Sunday.

After the necessary clarifications from close associates of the minister, it seemed that the issue was closed as far as the Minister of Finance is concerned. They also stressed that Mr Stournaras is open to any criticism “but criticism is to help in negotiations with the Troika and to suggest any measures better than those agreed each time, not just to argue about everything without suggesting anything”.

Some close associates of the minister provide a different approach on the assumptions of a possible “heroic exit” that the minister wishes or plans. They believe that it is a “healthy ambition” Mr Stournaras not wanting his withdrawal be considered as a ‘success’ of some party members who have “invested” in a negative criticism about him in order to gain strength in the party or the regions where they are elected.

” It makes sense to want to defend his work, why should he give it away to those who want to step on it so as to build their political careers, trampling on his legacy?” Mr Stournaras’s associates said.

“The Prime Minister decides about the changes in the government, whenever he thinks it is proper. He has this privilege. Neither Yannis Stournaras wants to be forever the Minister of Finance. Three parties asked him to be Minister of Finance and he agreed to accept at the most critical point in country’s route . With the support of Antonis Samaras, in two years “a total recover” was achieved, country’s development is a fact and even discusses for a new debt relief are to begin. He does not, though, accept any petty games and insight sabotage towards a man who saved and keeps on saving the country” associates of the Finance Minister said.