The newly-elected President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou called for her fellow Greeks to stay optimistic in the battle against the pandemic.
The President issued her moving message on her facebook page, thanking the country’s healthcare workers and people on the frontline.
“I am next to you” said the President, “We have, after all, proven at other difficult times in our history that when responsibility and solidarity reign, we overcome problems, however insurmountable they may seem” she added.
The full text of the President:
In the unprecedented conditions that we have all been experiencing lately, I feel a strong need to continue our contact through social networks and in my new capacity.
As long as the coronavirus pandemic persists, it is paradoxical, but the only way to protect our loved ones and our fellow citizens is to stay away from them. As long as we need and until we overcome the crisis, we have no other way. We adhere faithfully, both collectively and individually, to the guidance of experts and government officials. We stay at home and minimize exits and travel. These are instructions that I myself follow, insofar as my duties as President of the Republic allow me.
The restrictions imposed on us are perhaps strangling our temperament as Greeks. But we must and can respond. We have, after all, proven at other difficult times in our history that when responsibility and solidarity reign, we overcome problems, however insurmountable they may seem. They may not be intact, but definitely stronger. I'm next to you.
As I stand next to all those at the forefront of this battle. Mostly physicians and nurses, Security and Civil Protection staff, but also pharmacists, grocery store workers and the entire supply chain, so that all of us do not lack essentials, and those who cannot afford to work. home. I owe - I owe - a huge thank you and I will personally support them in any way I can.
The country, Europe, the whole planet is living in an unprecedented crisis with consequences that are now difficult to predict or even to imagine. The strength of our economy will be tested and will require extraordinary support measures for workers and businesses.
At the same time, however, we must also be optimistic. The advancement of science and our connected world will enable scientists to act faster than ever, for students and students to keep in touch with knowledge, for businesses to test in practice the significant benefits of teleworking to productivity and satisfaction of employees. And most of us isolate ourselves without feeling lonely.
We will make it. With discipline and prudence, calmness and optimism, we will succeed.
Katerina Sakellaropoulou
President of the Hellenic Republic
15 March 2020
