Lucas Papademos quotes

Lucas Papademos is a Greek economist and politician who served as Prime Minister of Greece during a critical period of the country's debt crisis. A respected technocrat, he previously held roles such as Governor of the Bank of Greece and Vice President of the European Central Bank. He is regarded for his leadership during turbulent times and efforts to stabilize the Greek economy. Here are 26 of his quotes:

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. (Lucas Papademos)
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. View quote
Lucas Papademos
The financial crisis in our country is not a passing storm. Given the size of the problems, our national effort will not be completed in 2012. It will take many years and will require the efforts and insistence of several governments. View quote
Lucas Papademos
And judging what is appropriate or not appropriate for a country, I think it is important in particular in judging what is the appropriate economic policy framework, one should take into account the overall political environment and the institutional framework within which economic policy operates. View quote
Lucas Papademos
The ECB's interventions in sovereign bond markets should not be perceived or interpreted as a 'freebie' for governments. They are temporary. View quote
Lucas Papademos
Our membership of the euro is a guarantee of monetary stability and creates the right conditions for sustainable growth. Our membership of the euro is the only choice. View quote
Lucas Papademos
Our position in Europe is not negotiable. The Greek people will defend it by all means. But participation in the euro involves rules and obligations, which we must consistently meet. Greece belongs to Europe and Europe cannot be envisaged without Greece. View quote
Lucas Papademos
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. View quote
Lucas Papademos
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. View quote
Lucas Papademos
I take office during the most difficult moment in the country's recent history. The country can be saved - it's up to us. I think it is obvious for those who support this government to undertake the commitment and ensure that our country's euro membership is not endangered. View quote
Lucas Papademos
The new co-operation government will do the best it can to address the country's problems, and I believe that with the co-operation of all - and the new government stresses this - and the unity of all, we will achieve that. (Lucas Papademos)
The government is determined to continue the process of fiscal consolidation and structural reform in order to secure sound public finances and improve the country's international competitiveness. View quote
Lucas Papademos
I think the facts reveal that the European partners have taken extraordinary measures to help Greece address its problems. View quote
Lucas Papademos
More cuts were needed to avoid exiting the eurozone. View quote
Lucas Papademos
Our eurozone partners have made it clear: The choice is between staying in or getting out of the eurozone. View quote
Lucas Papademos
I think it's often discussed that leaving the Euro is an option for Greece. I think this is really not an option. View quote
Lucas Papademos
Governments cannot assume or expect that the ECB will always facilitate their funding independently of the achievement of their fiscal and other policy objectives. View quote
Lucas Papademos
Delays in granting of justice very often reduce the speed with which investment could be undertaken, discouraging investors. View quote
Lucas Papademos
Greece could default on its debts and even exit currency bloc if it cannot deliver reforms. View quote
Lucas Papademos
I am confident that we can overcome this crisis, provided that we remain united in our effort to address our debt and competitiveness problems. And I think that the Greek people are united; it's important also that the political forces are united in line with the will of the Greek people. View quote
Lucas Papademos
In the 20 years before Greece end up with the Euro, efforts to improve competitiveness through exchange rate and adjustments resulted only in temporary gains of competitiveness. (Lucas Papademos)
I think achieving a higher fiscal stability is also a very important condition for restoring an environment which is conducive to growth... View quote
Lucas Papademos
I am not a politician but I have dedicated the biggest part of my professional life to economic policy both in Greece and Europe. View quote
Lucas Papademos
Dealing with Greece's problems will be more difficult if Greece is not a member of the eurozone. View quote
Lucas Papademos
A very difficult year is ahead of us. We must continue our efforts with decisiveness, to stay in the euro, to make sure we do not waste the sacrifices and do not turn the crisis into an uncontrolled and disastrous bankruptcy. View quote
Lucas Papademos