George Papandreou

Statesman

1952-06-16

Quotes by George Papandreou

• I think there is a heritage which I'm proud of, which is a fight for democracy, a fight for social justice, a fight for freedom. My grandfather went to jail or exile six times in his life, fighting for his principles for democracy, or for his country. And my father twice.

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• We stand united, facing the big responsibility to change our country into a nation of justice, solidarity, humanity and green development.

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• If we were going to default, we would have decided that many months ago. It would be wrong for the Greek economy, it would be wrong for the European economy, it would make things worse in the end. That's why we're taking the pain and making these structural reforms, and we're on target.

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• Countries are not like financial markets. Social change cannot be executed as swiftly as credit-default swaps. You cannot sell short on social commitments and practical responsibilities.

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• This idea that you're a successful tough guy if you evade taxes and deceive the state has got to change.

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• Markets themselves are looking for stability, and I think we have underestimated the capacity of Europe... to actually create a more stable framework for the whole issue of debt management, bonds, and so on.

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• I will always be upfront with the Greek people, so we can solve the country's problems together.

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• We are on a difficult course, on a new Odyssey for Greece, but we know the road to Ithaca and have charted the waters.

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• Unfortunately, corruption is widespread in government agencies and public enterprises. Our political system promotes nepotism and wasting money. This has undermined our legal system and confidence in the functioning of the state. One of the consequences is that many citizens don't pay their taxes.

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