George Papandreou

“If we were going to default, we would have decided that many months ago. It would be wrong for the Greek economy, it would be wrong for the European economy, it would make things worse in the end. That's why we're taking the pain and making these structural reforms, and we're on target.”

“Already people are saying we do need a change.”

“We stand united, facing the big responsibility to change our country into a nation of justice, solidarity, humanity and green development.”

“Greece has great strengths, but much of this potential has been wasted. That's because of a wider political system, but also because of a lack of an institutional framework.”

“The fact that we're going through a crisis is an opportunity for Europe to be more coordinated and more integrated. We're actually talking about a European Monetary Fund or euro bonds, about guarantees for countries, about economic governance in the European Union. That shows the strength of Europe.”

“In ancient Greece, politics and the market were not decoupled.”

“Europe is a strong market for the U.S. If it has problems, if there's a lack of consumer confidence, if there's a deeper recession, this will deeply affect jobs in the U.S.”

“You can theorise about the options you have but in reality they are very specific.”

“When I was growing up in the United States and Sweden, I never thought about becoming a politician.”

“I would say we are a friend in need and I am sure that the Greek people would very much welcome the choice of the British people to come and enjoy Greece, first of all, but also that would be a sign of support.”

“The more there is a European solution to a theoretical, but possible, problem in the markets, the less we will have to talk about an I.M.F. solution.”

“Everyone needs to carry out his own personal revolution.”

“We had about 60 regions in Greece and now there are only 13. It'd be like cutting down 50 states to 13 and making it more efficient.”

“I have always said I will be in politics to serve as best as I can and it will take me wherever it will take me.”

“I would like to see Greece as a case study, an opportunity for Europe to strengthen its coordination of fiscal policy.”

“We in Europe have great capacities.”

“Previous governments, particularly the one before I took over, mismanaged the economy quite badly.”

“Countries are not like financial markets. Social change cannot be executed as swiftly as credit-default swaps. You cannot sell short on social commitments and practical responsibilities.”

“Europe has a lot of strength. We need to pool that strength, and I am very much in favour of that - more of a deeper political union.”

“We have a rise of extremism because we need to give a sense that we are targeting some of the deeper problems in Greece, the injustices.”