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.

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.

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

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

So it won't be a surprise when the Greek default actually happens and we expect it one way or the other to be relatively soon.

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