George Kavathas, the president of the Hellenic Confederation of Professionals, Craftsmen & Merchants (GSEVEE), said that the election result is a “historic opportunity” for the reversal of a hopeless and destructive course for Greek people and their economy without compromising the country’s position in the European and Monetary Union.

“There is no room for delay,” he said. “The Greek economy cannot wait, and hence, a government must immediately be formed. Small enterprises and self-employed paid a very heavy price for the austerity policies. More than 230,000 businesses closed down and more than a million workers lost their jobs since the crisis while 70% of enterprises saw their turnover being reduced by an accumulative 75% according to GSEVEE data. The vast majority (of SMEs) have arrears and debts to the state, the social security funds and the banks while 370,000 are uninsured.”

The GSEVEE hopes that a SYRIZA-led government would implement the measures that will give leeway to SMEs and work towards the restoration of social dialogue in Greece and cooperation with social partners to develop and implement a National Strategic Development Plan.