Former PM reflects on crisis leadership and democratic challenges post-Metapolitefsi

"I tried to provide solutions in the way I could," said Panagiotis Pikrammenos, reflecting on his time as caretaker prime minister during the Greek debt crisis.

Pikrammenos made the comment during a conversation with Tom Ellis, editor in chief at Kathimerini English Edition, at the "50 Years of the Metapolitefsi" conference in Athens on Thursday.

Reflecting on his term as prime minister, Pikrammenos referred to the tumultuous period of 2012, emphasizing the importance of stable governance during such crises.

"I tried to provide solutions in the way I could, practically speaking. Whatever had to be done based on the memorandum that would not harm the country, we would do. Whatever would harm the country, we would avoid," he said.

Pikrammenos recounted a candid and at times demeaning exchange with Angela Merkel, former German chancellor, who was in charge...