“My fellow citizens,
It has already been 33 days since my first pandemic message. Back then, I set a clear goal: to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus in the country, by enduring personal sacrifices. And you have made these sacrifices with a great sense of responsibility. All Greeks have thus been protected, and mainly the most vulnerable. And we have gained valuable time to better organise the National Health System. You deserve a big “thank you”. Both for your trust and for your disciplined behaviour. We have proven, as a nation, that we have great internal strength and resilience. We have put our best self forward. And if that gives us reasonable satisfaction –and, why not, pride– it equips us with additional courage at the same time, to continue the battle.
The war has not yet been won. The number of cases are declining, same for the patients in Intensive Care Units. The slightest complacency, however, could easily lead to a painful resurgence. In the time that has passed, we have had, and will unfortunately continue to have losses. But far fewer than we would have had, had we pursued a different policy. This is why we will continue on the path we have set: We will always consult the experts. The return to normal life will be carried out gradually and in phases. And only when this is substantiated by scientific data. Above all, we will continue to protect the elderly and those suffering from serious, chronic illnesses.
My fellow citizens,
In this unprecedented crisis, many things have changed at a frantic pace. We, too, have changed; I believe for the best. A new National Health System is already being built, considering that what had not been accomplished in decades, has now been accomplished in only five weeks. I have met and talked to the people on the frontline in the hospitals. I admire their skills, dedication and willpower. And I saw in person how, along with the buildings and technical means, the perception on Public Health’s role and way of operating is also being modernised. The reform of the National Health System is not stopping here. It is my personal commitment that we will add hundreds of ICU beds immediately, so that we can quickly reach the European average.
The pandemic is receding. But it is very likely to return next winter. And it must find us well prepared. Along with the National Health System, however, the entire public sector is taking on a new form; its services are being digitised and expanded to serve citizens more easily and more quickly. Prescriptions and certificates are now issued electronically. Https://www.gov.gr/ has entered our life for good and is making it easier. Employees are familiarising themselves with technology. Meanwhile, the participation of students in digital classrooms has reached almost 5 million to date, with the help of tens of thousands of earnest teachers. Many of our companies have proven to be resilient and flexible: Others turn their production to seasonal products, such as antiseptics. Others work together to offer high-tech materials to hospitals, such as 3D printed masks for doctors.
Meanwhile, Greek scientists are present in all international research programmes conducted against the virus. Furthermore, social responsibility is shown in many aspects; through great private donations; through the volunteer work of thousands of citizens; but also through everyone’s discipline. Because our goal is common.
My fellow citizens,
With your responsible attitude, you have tamed the first wave of coronavirus. Doctors and nurses, police and Civil Protection officers have stood on the front line. And on their side, many other fighters of this “new reality”; grocery stores’ employees; delivery workers; and also the cleaning staff who keep our cities clean day and night. They all “give life to our lives.” It is certain that when the crisis is over, we will see the people filling supermarket shelves in a different light. We will be worried if a biker is not wearing a helmet. And we will say good morning to the women and men who are emptying the trash cans in our neighbourhood. They will no longer be as invisible, as they may have been to some. Many had to wear a protective mask to make their bright faces shine beneath. This is the face of diligence and solidarity. Greece face of tomorrow. And I want to thank them, once again, on behalf of all citizens. Our biggest gain, however, from this unprecedented crisis has a name. And it is called Trust. Trust in the State. In the Government. In the fellow citizen! Because, within 50 days, decade-old myths have been dispelled. And the conclusions drawn are here to stay with us for a long time. It has turned out, for example, that the State should be evaluated primarily on the basis of its effectiveness. And that, only when governance does not become a power prize, can it turn into a true “State”. Not a partisan destination. But an umbrella of care for all. Assigning the responsibility of critical sectors to the most worthy. This legacy of trust and meritocracy must not wear off along with the pandemic. Because we will be needing this legacy for the next big challenge: the reorganisation of our economy.
The Government has faced an unprecedented crisis. And it has reacted quickly, making more than 14 billion available to support employees and businesses. And it is providing another 10 billion euros in liquidity and additional European funds. Already, 750,000 professionals are receiving the 800 euro subsidy. Nearly 200,000 unemployed have received an extension of their allowance. All tax and insurance obligations have been suspended for more than 500,000 companies. And 85,000 scientists have signed up for paid distance training programmes.
Today, I am announcing yet another initiative for a special group of the population. Namely, 155,000 long-term unemployed people in our country will receive an extraordinary financial aid of 400 euros. But please pay attention: to this day, we are intentionally sacrificing a portion of our prosperity to protect health and social cohesion. Because the recession in 2020 will be great. Even greater, however, can be the recovery in 2021. And, unlike the situation in the past, today we have a great advantage: a great stock of credibility and solemnity. This national capital, therefore, should not be wasted on reckless demands and provisional benefits. Because an ongoing war requires reserves. We will share the burdens of the crisis in a fair way, as we have done to this day. So that everyone can have a dividend of the growth boom that will follow.
At the beginning of this hardship, I asked for your powerful trust. And you generously offered it to me. I believe that, with hard work, I reciprocate every day. I do not forget, however, that this situation will not be going on forever. After the crisis, all authorities must abandon the imperviousness of need and strengthen accountability. Because no extraordinary circumstances may put democratic standards in question.
The Parliament and Institutions, therefore, operate despite the restrictions. But I will say this again: after the pandemic, the country has to become a renewed Greece! The crisis may hurt us. It will have armed us, though, with valuable experience to build a stronger and more contemporary State. Because the great steps we are now taking are becoming weapons that can make this temporary trial our driver for a steady progress. To integrate the expediencies of the moment into the strategic goal of the future. And thus allow current measures to become triggers for permanent reforms. These are conquests that will help us make a fresh start after the storm. In other words, after the Coronavirus experience, it is in our hands whether the “need of today” may establish the “rebirth of tomorrow”. And whether our difficult current conditions may become a prelude to more optimistic times.
I shall conclude with the following thoughts,
In our previous communication, I stressed that in the fight against Covid-19, April is the most critical month. Today I am telling you that this is the most critical week! A true Holy Week, reflecting our Passions and sacrifices this year, for us to overcome the Golgotha of the pandemic and reach the Resurrection. We will remember this Easter as the Easter of Love. But also as the Easter of Responsibility. We will be celebrating apart from our loved ones. And perhaps far away from our places of origin. And with no church worship. I know it is very difficult. It is not our faith that is at stake, but the health of the faithful. In this way, however, we will uphold the true message of this great celebration: the victory of life over death.
In this way, this Holy Week acquires a special spirituality. It forces us to come face to face with our fears, but also with our expectations. It urges us to remain humble and think about what is truly important in our lives. So let us stay home. In order for us to meet again, healthy and strong, when the storm passes. We stay at home, we come out winners. Because victory is only separated from disaster by a thread; if we do not follow the advice of experts to the end, we may tear apart all we have accomplished.
We can see the moment when shops and schools will begin to open in careful steps on the horizon. The engines of the economy warming up again. And people meeting again on the streets, at work, at sports venues. All of these things, however, must be done wisely. In a planned manner. With the doctors always consulting us. With new habits. With personal hygiene as a part of our way of life. With special care for our elderly. And with any cases detected and isolated immediately, before they become threatening.
I believe in this: it is up to us to bring the future we want closer to us. And to make tomorrow even brighter and more optimistic, by being careful today. We can and we will succeed!
Happy Easter to all!
