PM Tsipras: German vote an act of 'common sense and democracy'
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras welcomed on Friday the approval of the extension of Greece's loan agreement by the German parliament, calling it an act of "common sense" in an exclusive statement to Euronews.
"The German parliament gave Europe a vote of confidence today. We welcome our German colleagues' vote, as a political act of common sense and democracy," Tsipras was quoted as saying to the news website.
The premier said the vote is an act which ratifies the "double respect" to the common rules of the European Union and the Eurozone and to the principle of popular sovereignty as expressed through people's vote.
Tsipras said Greece has overcome a difficult obstacle and that his government will implement reforms which no government ever sought, because they were obliged to powerful interests.
He went on to explain the government's plan for the coming months. "We start the relentless effort to recover fiscal and social justice and, at the same time, to increase public revenues. Our political will to make those not used to paying pay their own share is now being translated into action, contributing to the formation of a new tax consciousness of the citizens," he told Euronews.
The plan also includes building an effective public administration "which respects citizens and the taxes they pay."
Tsipras reiterated his intention to crush cartels and vested interests and promote meritocracy. "The various, small and big cartels of established interests, which attempt, even today, to control public administration and the economy, will collapse. Meritocracy, transparency, equal opportunities everywhere, with the appropriate social sensitivity and the rule of law will be the trademark for the new Greece of tomorrow."
"We start working hard, in order to change Greece within a Europe that changes direction," he concluded.
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