Commenting on the situation in Greece and the response around Europe, Greens/EFA co-president Philippe Lamberts said:

"European governments and the EU institutions must respect the democratic process in Greece. Instead of meddling and threatening, EU leaders and the European Commission should commit to fully respect the outcome of the Greek elections and work with any democratically-elected government to ensure Greece remains a member of the Eurozone. This is in the clear interest of EU and its credibility, as well as Greece. Reckless talk of a Grexit is irresponsible."

Greens/EFA co-president Rebecca Harms commented:

"While it is clear that reforms remain necessary in Greece, it is equally clear that the one-sided and heavy-handed approach of the adjustment programme has compounded problems and accentuated social hardship. Greece needs a government that can bring about the necessary shift in its economy towards a more sustainable model. European governments and the EU institutions must support Greece, its government and citizens to ensure they can deliver this and finally give Greece a perspective for exiting the economic crisis and making its debt burden sustainable. As has been the case since the beginning of the crisis, it is in the common European interest that Greece remains as a revitalised member of the Eurozone."

Richard More O'Ferrall,

Press and media advisor, social media coordinator,

Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament

Mobile: +32-477-443842

Ph. +32-22841669 (Brussels); +33-388174042 (Strasbourg)

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