Athens News Agency: News in English, 05-12-21

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Country is 'regressing', former PM says

[01] Country is 'regressing', former PM says

"There is nothing to provide optimism to the great majority of Greek citizens," Simitis said.

He described the 2006 budget as a "virtual budget" that will never be implemented.

The former premier also accused the New Democracy government of degrading the country and limiting its potential through the problems it creates with the European Union.

Simitis continued his criticism of the government, saying it had failed to realise a projected growth rate of 5%, it had succeeded in reducing state revenues and increasing public debt.

As for reforms, Simitis spoke of 'anti-reforms' and referred to education as an example where "the vicious cycle of shoddy interventions was being repeated".

On the foreign policy front, Simitis said that New Democracy's approach in Greek-Turkish relations was faulty and will lead to "new adventures with Turkey, who will want to resolve any issue it considers pending on a bilateral basis."

As for the outcome of the European Summit regarding the EU budget, Simitis said that it cannot be attributed to Greece's handling and negotiations, but to initiatives taken by Spain, Portugal and Germany.

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