Govt debate in Greek Parliament leads to Tsipras-Meimarakis showdown

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras responded to comments made by interim New Democracy party leader Vangelis Meimarakis in Greek Parliament during a three-day debate the government’s policy statements culminating with a vote of confidence at dawn on Thursday. Tsipras said that the country needs constructive criticism from the opposition parties, not sterile contradiction leading to nowhere.

“You delivered a great pre-election speech. But I would like to remind you, Mr. Meimarakis, that the elections were held on September 20 and the people have decided,” said Tsipras, addressing the main opposition conservative leader. “You lost by a margin of 7.5 points.”

He expressed the belief that Meimarakis was swayed into pre-election rhetoric due to the upcoming elections within the ND party.

“You said that nothing has changed (in relation to debt), that the country has won nothing and that we are in a worse position than where we were before July 12. Unluckily for you, your position here in Parliament comes just hours after a historic speech by (French President Francois) Hollande in the European Parliament.

Tsipras pointed out that the ND party had been with the side of European forces that had tried to oust Greece from the European framework during negotiations with the country.

“We will succeed in this national effort, whether you support it or not,” he said.