Lucas Papademos Quotes

I am personally convinced - and I think the Greek people share this belief in a fundamental way - that we can achieve fiscal consolidation more effectively and we can restore competitiveness in a more fundamental and permanent way within the euro area than outside.

Governments cannot assume or expect that the ECB will always facilitate their funding independently of the achievement of their fiscal and other policy objectives.

I think it's often discussed that leaving the Euro is an option for Greece. I think this is really not an option.

Greece could default on its debts and even exit currency bloc if it cannot deliver reforms.

In the 20 years before Greece end up with the Euro, efforts to improve competitiveness through exchange rate and adjustments resulted only in temporary gains of competitiveness.

The new co-operation government will do the best it can to address the country's problems, and I believe that with the co-operation of all - and the new government stresses this - and the unity of all, we will achieve that.

More cuts were needed to avoid exiting the eurozone.

I am confident that we can overcome this crisis, provided that we remain united in our effort to address our debt and competitiveness problems. And I think that the Greek people are united; it's important also that the political forces are united in line with the will of the Greek people.

I am not a politician but I have dedicated the biggest part of my professional life to economic policy both in Greece and Europe.

I thank all of those deputies who supported the government and gave it a vote of confidence. I believe each of those votes represents a responsible decision to avoid placing our country's membership of the eurozone in danger.

A very difficult year is ahead of us. We must continue our efforts with decisiveness, to stay in the euro, to make sure we do not waste the sacrifices and do not turn the crisis into an uncontrolled and disastrous bankruptcy.

Our membership of the euro is a guarantee of monetary stability and creates the right conditions for sustainable growth. Our membership of the euro is the only choice.

I think the facts reveal that the European partners have taken extraordinary measures to help Greece address its problems.

Our eurozone partners have made it clear: The choice is between staying in or getting out of the eurozone.

Dealing with Greece's problems will be more difficult if Greece is not a member of the eurozone.

I think achieving a higher fiscal stability is also a very important condition for restoring an environment which is conducive to growth.

The government is determined to continue the process of fiscal consolidation and structural reform in order to secure sound public finances and improve the country's international competitiveness.

My job will not be easy but I am convinced the problems will be solved in a quicker and more efficient way if there is unity and consensus.

Delays in granting of justice very often reduce the speed with which investment could be undertaken, discouraging investors.

Greece is at a crucial crossroads. The choices that are made and the policies that are enforced will have a decisive impact on the wellbeing of Greeks. The way forward will not be easy but the problems can be solved, and will be solved, if there is unity, co-operation and consensus.

I take office during the most difficult moment in the country's recent history. The country can be saved - it's up to us. I think it is obvious for those who support this government to undertake the commitment and ensure that our country's euro membership is not endangered.

The ECB's interventions in sovereign bond markets should not be perceived or interpreted as a 'freebie' for governments. They are temporary.