Papandreou wants the confidence vote but does not care for the presidency

"I'm not interested in getting re-elected, but only in saving our country. Let the world know." With these words the PM has clearly stated his willingness to discuss a coalition government with Antonis Samaras, but as long as "the decision of October 26 is approved and the 6th tranche is disbursed." He even asked his MPs for a confidence vote in order to create the best conditions "for the debate on the new collaboration". 

Furthermore, Papandreou said that "my intention is to start a discussion about such a collaboration immediately." But he added that this cannot be done by the resignation of the current government and the use of polls, as such an eventuality would put the country outside the euro. Besides, he wondered, "Is there a government ready to govern? We are not playing here. We must ensure the loan agreement and then go to the polls. But if the government were to fall today, we would have a prolonged period of governmental absence that would throw the country into the void." 

But he threw the ball on Samara’s court as well, saying "I wonder if Samaras’ consensual disposition only lasted a few hours because I heard the familiar bells. If we are to work properly we need to carefully build a climate of understanding between ourselves and leave the old tactics out." He clarified that "I insist on the need for conciliation. I call upon Samaras to reconsider his position, come back to the table and take part in the debate; position himself with the national interest in mind." 

Earlier, speaking to the PASOK ministers, Papandreou noted that "if the opposition comes to the table we are ready to go for a vote on the agreement without reaching for other solutions." And in fact he hailed Samaras’ attitude and added: "I hope that from now on we will not hear all these needless no’s. We must have a substantive discussion with ND to see how we are going to proceed.

 

In addition, the PM said that the October 26 decision "must be implemented soon," while speaking mainly to his PG he stated, "I am asking for a vote of confidence not only to proceed with the necessary measures, but also to initiate discussions on the new partnership. The country will go ahead and will only do so if we unite our powers."

Trying to explain the announced intention for a referendum to ratify the aid package agreed upon on 26 October by the EU, Papandreou argued that "I was forced to propose the referendum" because instead of support he received "refusals and insults" from many of the political forces. "The people must decide" he concluded, and warned that failure to implement the agreement "can easily make us slip out of the euro".