Tsipras: We have a plan, but we are keeping it secret

Tsipras attempted to present SYRIZA as a silent force of resposibility that will assume administration within the Eurozone to establish the equitable participation of the country. He pointed out that the alarmism about the collapse of the country from Monday onwards is reproduced by the forces of irresponsibility that led us to this precipice. "The greatest risk is within our walls", he said, and attributed the responsibility for this climate to the banks and the forces of vested interests.

He attacked those who ask for their partners' "punishment statements" for our country, accusing them of serving speculative games. "This is serving the lobby of the drachma; the memorandum is leading Europe to a dead end." Tsipras contrasted the policy of austerity followed in Europe with that of Obama, whose government "cuts money" to address the crisis.

Replying to a journalist's question about what will happen if the country does not receive the next tranche, Tsipras stressed that this development will be denounced as blackmail. Asked if there is a plan in case of refusal by the partners to accept the positions of SYRIZA, he said that "unlike ND and PASOK, which have no plan, we do have one. We cannot analyze it now because the opponent must know our positions. However, we are optimistic and will go into battle in order to win. Our optimism is based on analyses of geopolitical data showing that large international interests do not want the dissolution of the Eurozone."

Asked as to whether he guarantees the stay of the country in the euro in case of global developments, he made ​​it clear that no government can do this and that in such a crisis the first to be rescued are the banks. He will seek an agreement to guarantee deposits from the European Central Bank, while banks will be reinforced through recapitalization with public control, as they will be issued common shares with voting rights.

He stressed that he will attempt to restore confidence in the people to return to the banks the 25 billion euros that they currently keep at home.

Tsipras said that there is enough room for negotiation with the recent developments in Spain, that the climate within the country and in Europe changed after May 6, and that the country must certainly have a government on June 18 in order to prepare for the crucial summit on May 28 and 29.

He added that he is fully aware of the fact that the country is faced with a collapse to which we were led by the memorandum policies of PASOK and New Democracy. "The measures of the memorandum will destroy everything," he said, and stressed that the problem will be extended on a worldwide level.

Tsipras announced that the State mechanism will be staffed under transparent criteria and there will not be massive recruitments, but a rationalization of the government. "The remuneration of public officials will not exceed the ministerial allowance, the compensation for the prime minister and the ministers will be cut in half, and we will change the law on ministerial responsibility."

He reiterated that he will bring back the minimum wage to 751 euros for all, and the unemployment benefit to 461 euros for two years. He also announced the partial or total cancellation of debts for households and businesses depending on their financial situation.

Lastly, he pointed out the need to increase revenues, announcing the increase of tax revenues for the able by 1% of the GDP annually over the next years, which is about 2 billion euros per year.