Papandreou pledges radical reforms in Greece to boost growth, competitiveness
BRUSSELS. October 13. KAZINFORM Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou on Thursday pledged to carry out radical reforms in the Greek economy so as to boost growth and competitiveness of the debt-stricken country; Kazinform refers to Xinhua.
Papandreou made the remarks after meeting with European Council President Herman Van Rompuy in Brussels.
Greece would carry out radical changes throughout its economy and public administration, to guarantee "competitiveness and productivity, growth, transparency and social justice," Papandreou said.
"It is the Greek people who want to change. They want we change Greece. And whatever painful, we are committed to this change in the best interest of Greek people," he said.
The Greek prime minister noted that the summit meeting due to start on October 23 would decide on a comprehensive and lasting rescue package for the eurozone debt crisis.
The package will include closer economic cooperation, integration and governance, strengthening of the eurozone safety net, the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF), as well as an overhaul of the European banking system, according to Papandreou, who called for an European solution to the crisis.
"This is a new challenge, we are optimistic there is a will to live up to this challenge," he said, "We can make this crisis an opportunity for success, both for Greece and for Europe."