PM Tsipras Resigns, Requests Clear Mandate in Snap Elections
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said he is placing the actions of his government at the judgment of the Greek people as he announced his resignation and national elections for September, in a televised statement on Thursday night. The premier said he has a clear conscience and asked voters for a clear mandate.
He said the agreement achieved with the country’s creditors the mandate received by the government on January 25 has expired and now people have to speak again. He noted that the Greek people, with their vote, will decide on whom and how will represent the country, who will negotiate Greece’s debt, who and how will create the preconditions to restore the economy. "I feel the ethical and political obligation to leave my actions to your judgment, the right and the wrong and the omissions,” he said.
Reviewing the achievements of his government’s negotiating efforts, Tsipras admitted they didn’t achieve the agreement they were hoping for but that they also didn’t expect to face the reaction they faced in Europe. “We made concessions,” he noted, adding the deal which was eventually signed was “the best one could have achieved”.