Papademos given overwhelming vote of confidence

Main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Antonis Samaras stressed on Wednesday that the new government under Lucas Papademos is a "transitional government with a specific purpose,"speaking during a confidence debate in parliament that culminates Wednesday afternoon with a roll-call vote of confidence, and reiterated that the new transitional government "is not a co-governance" but "the product of necessity in order to restore the country's credibility internationally and avert default and its exit from the eurozone".amna

Speaking on the final day of a debate following new prime miniser Papademos' presentation of the policy statement of his coalition government, which is backed by former ruling PASOK party, main opposition ND and the Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS) party, Samaras also remained firm on the timing of general elections, initially agreed by the backing parties as February 19, warning that "if anyone attempts to extend the tenure of this government, he will incite a social explosion".

"Everything is hanging by a thread," Samaras warned.

The ND leader further stressed that the decisions taken by parliament, and not personal declarations, are binding on the country.

Samaras also said that his party will vote in favor of all bills it agrees with and will vote against those it disagrees with.

AMNA