Greek PM Alexis Tsipras took his cause on Monday before Greece’s industrialists, top executives and employers’ federation, where he said, amongst others, that:

— “It is neither an option nor the responsibility of his government for the current lack of liquidity in the country, but rather a dangerous negotiating tactic on the part of the partners (creditors)”

— “We need growth to support the country’s advantages: human resources, natural assets and its geopolitical position”

— “Only ensuring social normalcy will guarantee the path for growth”

— “These days will be recorded as days which reconfirmed the faith in a common vision for Europe”.

— Your support is necessary in the effort by the government for a return to collective bargaining agreements and changes in the labour sector

— We need to ensure Greece’s participation in the Juncker package (of EU-wide investments)

— The Greek government is carefully examining a proposal for (Greece’s) accession into the BRICS development bank”

— “Our priority is planning for a development bank”

On a more ominous note, he said those that cause the Greek economy’s “asphyxiation”, as he called it, will be held to account. Tsipras’ address, broadcast live by the state-run broadcaster (Nerit, soon-to-be ERT again), was held at the Athens Concert Hall (Megaron) at an event by the Greek Federation of Employers (SEV).