Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ televised address to the nation, on Thursday, March 19th – his third in a week – on the government’s response to the coronavirus and the measures to boost the economy.
My fellow citizens,
We communicate once again, as I promised you, with new information on the health front and the state of our economy. I would like to announce our new initiatives. But I also want to send you another message of unity, discipline and responsibility.
I will repeat this as simply as I can: Difficult times are still ahead. We implemented drastic measures before other countries so that we can curb the spread of the virus, but we do not know yet how effective they will be.
The next weeks will be decisive for our country. It is in our power to ensure that these weeks prove difficult and complicated but not detrimental. I ask you not to destroy now all that we have recently built.
In Italy, they do not have enough coffins to bury their dead. And still, I detect from some, an unjustified complacency. And I will not tolerate it.
Yes, we have every reason to be optimistic that science will address this pandemic sooner than expected. But, for the next months, there will be no mass solution.
We will rely on the abilities of the National Health System, which is being boosted in warp speed: We are adding emergency rooms and beds, buying ventilators and consumables. And hiring 2000 nurses and medical specialists.
The private sector is operating under the guidance of the Ministry of Health. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all those present, with their significant contributions, during this critical time. I call on the absentees, to reflect on their own responsibilities.
I also appeal to citizens to listen only to scientific announcements. “Fake news” harms our health, both physical and mental.
The arsenal of restrictive measures that the government can take is almost exhausted. This evil only needs one link beside it in order to spread. And this chain of fear can only be broken if we take one step backwards. We stay home, avoiding unnecessary contact.
This weekend we have the opportunity to show our social responsibility: since we have no business obligation, we do not move! We stay home and read, listen to music, watch movies, communicate with our loved ones.
We take a walk or run alone. And in any case, we avoid gatherings.
It is us and our behavior that will determine whether the government needs to take even more drastic measures restricting movement.
And one last thing. The virus does not recognize borders and distances. The smaller the island where someone believes that they can find refuge to be protected, the more difficult, if not impossible, will his care be if he gets sick there.
My fellow citizens,
The next months will be very difficult for our economy too. Now, though, we have more weapons in our arsenal to support labor and production.
After our release from the unbearable surpluses of the past, yesterday’s decision by the European Central Bank, for the first time, includes our country in a QE program (Quantitative-easing program).
Finally, after a 10 year financial crisis, Greece is treated just like all other European countries.
This development gives us the opportunity to implement a much more ambitious program to support the real economy. This program is dynamic and will be formed along with the developments.
Today, I announce that the National Budget is being revised. So, beyond the measures that have already launched, up to 3.9 billion Euros, approximately an additional 3 billion Euros will be made available to support the economy from the state budget. And at least 3 billion more from the restructuring of the NSRF.
I’m referring to about 10 billion Euros, without the projections of the provision of additional liquidity to businesses from the available financial tools.
As a result, I can announce to you today that we are extending the emergency salary of 800 euro to the end of April, including to all those who are employed by businesses that continue to operate with a reduction in turnover.
This measure does not only apply to businesses that have suspended operation, but the vast majority of employees in the private sector. For whom the state will cover all of their insurance costs as well.
The 800 Euro support will be received by all freelance professionals and self- employed in the nation. And for them, the monthly tax contributions will be suspended.
Eight hundred euros will be sent to all those fired or forced to quit between March 1st and up until yesterday. We are taking care of, above all, those who were hit first and with more force by this crisis.
The Easter Bonus will be deposited in full by all employers to all employees, just as they are entitled to. The exact date of deposit will be announced by the relevant Ministry.
In any case, an emergency Easter bonus will be received this year by our heroes in green and white gowns. Those working at our nation’s hospitals, as well as, the employees of the Civil Protection bureau, who have been working day and night to keep us all safe.
I would like to emphasize, once more, that no one in our country will be left alone to go through this trial.
My personal commitment is not to stop fighting for a dual purpose.
The greatest resource of this land is its people, Greek women and Greek men, and their health is my first concern.
But, their prosperity is also a priority. The government will keep alive the seed of development that had already begun to bear fruit.
The next day can be better. And the dawn will be brighter if we stay responsible and disciplined. United, but with a distance from one another!
We stay home, we stay optimistic, we stay determined, we stay – above all – healthy!
