The ECB’s interventions in sovereign bond markets should not be perceived or interpreted as a ‘freebie’ for governments. They are temporary.

I take office during the most difficult moment in the country’s recent history. The country can be saved – it’s up to us. I think it is obvious for those who support this government to undertake the commitment and ensure that our country’s euro membership is not endangered.

I am personally convinced – and I think the Greek people share this belief in a fundamental way – that we can achieve fiscal consolidation more effectively and we can restore competitiveness in a more fundamental and permanent way within the euro area than outside.

The new co-operation government will do the best it can to address the country’s problems, and I believe that with the co-operation of all – and the new government stresses this – and the unity of all, we will achieve that.

I think it’s often discussed that leaving the Euro is an option for Greece. I think this is really not an option.

I thank all of those deputies who supported the government and gave it a vote of confidence. I believe each of those votes represents a responsible decision to avoid placing our country’s membership of the eurozone in danger.

So it won’t be a surprise when the Greek default actually happens and we expect it one way or the other to be relatively soon.

I am confident that we can overcome this crisis, provided that we remain united in our effort to address our debt and competitiveness problems. And I think that the Greek people are united; it’s important also that the political forces are united in line with the will of the Greek people.

The participation of our country in the eurozone is a guarantee for the country’s monetary stability. It is a driver of financial prosperity.

The government is determined to continue the process of fiscal consolidation and structural reform in order to secure sound public finances and improve the country’s international competitiveness.