President Juncker wants the Greek people to know the truth
President Juncker explained the proposed package for Greece, rejected by the government, highlighting that it was demanding and comprehensive but fair. He made clear that people should know the truth and that voting "yes" in the forthcoming referendum would be a "yes" to Europe.
President Juncker during the press conference
President Juncker believes in a Europe that consists of reconciliation, compromise and mutual understanding. He strongly rejects a Europe in which one democracy is put up against the others. "Either we are all winners or we will all lose," he said. After the decision by the Greek government to stop negotiations over a proposed agreement last Friday night, its call for a referendum and to campaign for a rejection of the proposals by the Greek people, President Juncker insisted that Greek citizens have the right to know the truth.
He explained the different elements of the proposal und underlined that it is a "demanding and comprehensive package, but a fair one", giving numerous examples to illustrate its fair and balanced character: "Compared to the previous deal, it is more than 12 billion EUR less savings that are requested from Greece in the coming years." The President also clarified that there were no wage cuts or pension cuts in the proposal and that he personally had to insist on a less-favourable tax treatment for ship owners, "although this was common sense and in line with tax justice". He also recalled that the Commission has offered a 35 billion Euro package to help Greek economy getting back on tracks. He concluded by saying: "You can see we really moved mountains until the very last minute when Greek authorities closed the door. All elements of a credible and comprehensive deal were on the table".
On the negotiation process he said: "On our side these negotiations have always been in a true European spirit - based on rules, based on mutual trust. There has never been an "ultimatum or take-it-or-leave-it-approach". Our sole concern has always been and still is to help make a fair and balanced deal".
The President called on the Greek government to take responsibility putting "countries before parties." He warned that "the biggest impediment to jobs, growth and investment at the moment is uncertainty, uncertainty, which can only be removed by agreeing a deal that provides a credible framework for the Greek economy and people. The confidence effect of a deal, the predictability it would bring, together with the injection of liquidity into the economy from disbursements will restore job creation and growth."
He encouraged the Greek people to speak up and shape their own destiny for this generation and the generations to come. He made clear that this is an important moment for the Greek people and for the people of Europe, asking the Greek citizens to vote "yes" - making clear that a "yes" is a "yes" to Europe. President Juncker finally stated unambiguously that "Greece is a member of the European family and I want this family to stand together." This is now the very last millisecond to find solutions. I continue to be ready to work for an agreement (...)."