The leaders of Greece's five main political parties, last night replied to journalists' questions, divided into six sections - foreign policy, the economy, the social state, education, environment and public administration - in a televised debate, in view of the upcoming European Parliament elections on June 7. 

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis said that despite the fact that the country is experiencing a major economic crisis, the government is doing all that it can to support low wage earners and pensioners. He stressed that the government would continue with its reform program and did not rule out the imposition of new taxes.

Main opposition Pasok leader George Papandreou said the planet must change its growth model and noted that he wanted Greece to be in the lead in 'green development. He reiterated his slogan that "Either we change, or we sink". 

Greek Communist Party General Secretary Aleka Papariga expressed the view that the cost of European Union membership is huge and called on voters to execute a "surprise attack" with a vote for her party.

Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) President Alekos Alavanos said that "today amidst the terrible crisis, in the European Union the complete unaccountability of large capital has prevailed, while the casino economy and banks do as they please." On his part, the leader of the nationalist Laos party, George Karatzaferis said his party was the other power. "It is different and has a different attitude", he maintained.