Mr. Evangelos Venizelos stated before party members that “We are not afraid of elections”.

While referring to a possible extension of the memorandum, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs said that “we are not talking of an extension of the program but for a technical extension of procedures”.

Further, he added that “We are awaiting the return of the Troika. We have the opportunity to close the deal before Christmas. To complete the deal with lenders before the teleconference on the 15th of December”.

Since many speak of a program extension, Mr. Venizelos made clear that “there is no program without a loan”.

At the same time, the Deputy Prime Minister send a message to lenders, saying that they cannot impose measures that are not in favor of the attempt for the country’s recovery. “Nobody can recommend or impose measures that are killing  growth instead of supporting it,” he said.

Mr. Venizelos assured the public that they government will not impose any new fiscal austerity measures such as salaries or pensions reductions.

“There will be no new fiscal austerity measures. There will be no further reduction of salaries and pensions, “he said characteristically.