ND on gov’t ministers’ statements; media strike

The main opposition New Democracy (ND) party on Wednesday called on Finance Minister George Papacon-stantinou to “tell the truth to the people”, as it characteristically said.

ND spokesman Yiannis Mihelakis on Wednesday presented what he claimed were a number of “contradictory statements” made recently by the finance minister, charging that “when is Mr. Papaconstantinou actually telling the truth?” He also referred to comments made by ruling PASOK MPs who also call on the finance minister to take a stance.

Mihelakis stressed that the publicising of the 2010 deficit figures is being delayed and called on Papaconstantinou to tell the people how high is the deficit.

Referring to the statements made by government spokesman Giorgos Petalotis concerning a failed initiative for the salvation of a textile factory, the ND spokesman stated that the government is looking for accomplices in an effort to dodge its responsibilities.

In an unrelated development, he referred to a four-day mass media strike to be launched on Thursday, saying that “no measures have been taken for the mass media sector which is faced with major problems. In France, the government had taken specific measures. ND media sector head is considering specific proposals. For instance, interventions have been made in the case of ANA-MPA, which is faced with major problems”.

Referring to the Siemens bribery case, the ND spokesman reiterated a statement by ND leader Antonis Samaras, namely, that maneuvering is merely designed to let PASOK ministers “off the hook” and proceed with the prosecution of ND cadres who stand accused without incriminating evidence.

He also lashed out at the financial crimes squad SDOE and the government as regards press claims alleging that a former ND government minister has 175 million euros in his bank accounts.

Mihelakis spoke of a “ghost-minister” and stated that “we have submitted a question to Parliament on the issue and we are asking for a thorough investigation on the case”.