Jean-Claude Juncker: YES for Europe

He addressed the Greek people

The behavior of Athens is undeserving of the great Greek nation, stated Jean Claude Juncker during the press conference he held to address the Greek people.

Mr. Juncker expressed his personal “complaints” on the behavior of the Greek government and underlined that he feels betrayed on its stance, dedicating a large part of his speech to present the attempts made to reach a deal. He underlined that he wants the Eurozone members to remain as 19, and to even include more in the future. He also stated that “no democracy in Europe is worth more than any other”.

He reiterated that what Europe witnessed on Saturday was saddening. A blow which destroyed “good will”. He stated that the populistic games of the government prevailed common sense.

He presented some key points of the deal, underlining that it contains no cuts to pensions or salaries, but measures which do not affect society, such as defense budget cuts.

Even the Greek government, he said, knows that the insurance system is not viable, and added that “our proposals were sensible. The taxation on shipping companies and the defense budget cuts is common sense, and so is combating corruption. Mr. Tsipras refused.