Greek PM Alexis Tsipras repeated national elections would be held in 2019, during the cutting of the ribbon for the official opening of a regional highway in Kalamata, Peloponnese, Friday. Playing with the provision in the subcontractor’s agreement for the completion of the project, which foresees free passage through road tolls for drivers during elections, Mr. Tsipras noted that this was still a long way away.

The Greek PM said the country was exiting the tunnel of the economic crisis with Greece upholding its commitments, while not forgetting to keep society on its feet. “We are in the final difficult metres of a tough course and we are optimistic that we will pass over the final hard obstacle”, the Greek PM underlined. Responding to criticisms that he was on an election campaign, he said that he was not a prime minister that wanted to speak to the people face to face and listen to their problems.

“I am not a Prime Minister that remained closed Maximou hall, but will communicate with the citizens without intermediaries”, he stressed. He predicted that the second review would successfully close, adding that his administration did not fear negotiating, but at the same time would not sign a blank document like the his predecessor did. “We moving forward with the goal of supporting the weakest and to exit the crisis”, Mr. Tsipras said. “2017 will be a year of recovery and optimism for the Greeks”, he concluded.