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

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

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.

I think the gains to be achieved by a combination of reforms and labor market adjustments are going to be more permanent and will provide a basis for reducing unemployment and improving expert performance and sustaining growth in a way that is more sound and more permanent.

More cuts were needed to avoid exiting 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.