Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) leader Alexis Tsipras was sworn in as Greece’s new prime minister on September 21, following his party’s sweeping victory, with 35.5% of the vote and a 7.5 point lead over its main challenger, the New Democracy party.
Taking over from the caretaker government led by Vasiliki Thanou, Tsipras pledged in his new term to do everything in his power to help Greece exit the economic crisis and restore it as an equal partner in the European Union.
Taking over from the caretaker government led by Vasiliki Thanou, Tsipras pledged in his new term to do everything in his power to help Greece exit the economic crisis and restore it as an equal partner in the European Union.
"I believe our country can come out of this difficult situation of the last five years and this is our commitment. To do everything in our power for the country and its people to exit this difficult situation and to make it strong again, an equal partner in the European Union and its people proud and dignified," Tsipras told Thanou.
European leaders congratulated the Prime Minister on his party's election victory, stressing at the same time the need for Greece to move forward with reforms as there is "no time to lose" for their implementation.
In a letter to Tsipras, European Council President Donald Tusk said he hoped the outcome of the elections "will now provide the political stability to face all the challenges at hand".
"Your dedication and leadership in implementing the economic adjustment programme is crucial in order to make a difference in the recovery of the Greek economy," Tusk wrote to Tsipras.
"Your dedication and leadership in implementing the economic adjustment programme is crucial in order to make a difference in the recovery of the Greek economy," Tusk wrote to Tsipras.
