When I was growing up in the United States and Sweden, I never thought about becoming a politician.

If we were going to default, we would have decided that many months ago. It would be wrong for the Greek economy, it would be wrong for the European economy, it would make things worse in the end. That's why we're taking the pain and making these structural reforms, and we're on target.

This idea that you're a successful tough guy if you evade taxes and deceive the state has got to change.

I would like to see Greece as a case study, an opportunity for Europe to strengthen its coordination of fiscal policy.

I am proud of being a Greek of the diaspora.

We have made major reforms in Greece. When I took over after a landslide victory we had a mandate for change and I knew my major focus would be re-organizing the state.

I have a deep sense of responsibility to my country and Greek people.