The view that radical intervention is necessary in the welfare state and that PASOK is a movement with social sensitivities and faith in that sector, was expressed by Foreign Minister Giorgos Papandreou.

Mr. Papandreou criticized ND's reaction to the package of social benefits, which is expected to be announced by Prime Minister Costas Simitis today, stressing that it would be wrong to prematurely condemn the measures that are necessary and which were the outcome of dialogue.

In an interview to Flash Radio, the Foreign Minister pointed out that PASOK has shown that it can move and take measures, while preserving the necessary financial balances, while he added that it is not always the amount of the money, it is also the choices.

As far as PASOK is concerned, drawing on tomorrow's 29th anniversary since its founding, the Minister ascertained that the people demand to see the new standards from the governing party, and that it come closer to the citizen. “Radical changes and brave initiative is necessary”, he noted characteristically, adding: “We did not take the steps we should have taken. We made baby steps”, and ended by saying that “we must move at a faster pace”.