Main opposition New Democracy (ND) spokesman Yiannis Mihelakis on Friday condemned the attacks targeting Greek MPs and MEPs on the island of Corfu, as well as against government spokesman Giorgos Petalotis in Athens on Thursday.
Commenting on citizens' mobilizations, he repeated a statement by ND leader Antonis Samaras in Iraklio, Crete, namely, that "we are happy with the peaceful demonstrations in city squares for as long as they are not political party-affiliated."
Mihelakis underlined that Samaras has also "warned of the wrath that can turn into despair, which can lead some people to extremes".
Responding to a question on people's reactions and the messages received by ND, the ND spokesman said that most people are opposed to the economic measures. He added that his party has made its self-criticism, adding that what Samaras was saying over the past months is now being repeated by government officials, referring to the relevant announcement by Pasok-affiliated PASKE grouping and the letter signed by 16 PASOK MPs.
Referring to the meetings Samaras will have in Paris and Brussels, he said that they were requested by the ND leader to outline his party's positions, stressing that "there is no question of pressures being exerted". He repeated that the government does not ask for consensus, "asks for Samaras' signature under a mistake. This cannot happen. We recommend renegotiation to exit the memorandum as soon as possible".
Mihelakis did not clarify if ND MPs will be advised to toe the party line when asked whether the party's MPs will be expelled from the party in case they vote in favor of the government-sponsored medium-term programme.
On the finance ministry circular regarding the taxation of previously undeclared illegal conversions in buildings, known as "semi-outdoor spaces", he repeated statements made by ND deputies accusing the government of political dishonesty and deception, demanding that the relevant circular be withdrawn.
ANA
