Greek Leaders assures nation with reforms

Karamanlis thanking his voters after reelected said, with 152 Parliament seats said while Speaking in a brief nationally televised address from the Zappeion Hall in downtown Athens after midnight, Karamanlis again used the leitmotif of "reforms", saying the people have provided him and his government with a clear mandate for a "new, more dynamic beginning".

Karamanlis added that he feels a "double responsibility" for making his government better and avoiding mistakes in the future; one that is more effective and closer to the citizens. Re-elected Karamanlis said all of the government's commitments towards the fire-ravaged areas and individuals will be met, while he insisted on adhering to a moderate political climate and avoidance of extremism and divisiveness. "I would like to thank you (voters) for your trust. Today, you spoke and spoke clearly and loudly. You chose the path that the country will follow in the coming years You gave a clear mandate to ND to continue with changes and reforms that the country needs; a mandate for a new and dynamic beginning I ask you to vote for stable government. This government now exists, it is the one backed by a social majority with a strong political volition, one accountable to its commitments," he said Additionally, Karamanlis said his government will emphasise efforts to fight poverty and maintain a stable economy.

George Papandreou,opposition leader his party PASOK received 102 Parliament seats and is Main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) President George Papandreou announced his intention to ask party members to renew their confidence to his person in order, as he said, to proceed with major changes within the party, hours after PASOK came in a disappointing second to ruling New Democracy (ND).

Addressing a post-election press conference, Papandreou admitted that the message received from voters in Sunday's general elections was that the "people consider that we also share responsibilities for the situation prevailing in the country." He said the election was "unfavorable" for PASOK, which "faces a crucial turning point", adding: "We will evaluate the people's message ... We waged our battle, but we have not managed to win ... we all took part in it, we all had a role to play and responsibilities to share, foremost of all, I myself." "The broad democratic and progressive party needs deep reforms and fights for a just society," he said, adding: "We are not all the same and it would be good to prove it through positions, practices, self-criticism and high moral standard." http://www.hri.org/