Greek PM outlines priorities of new government

The new Greek government is ready to restore the debt-laden country's prestige, people's dignity and social justice, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras told the first Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

Acknowledging the tough road ahead and the pressure of high expectations of Greek people, Tsipras said that the new government intends to radically change the way the country has been ruled for decades.

The government's first priority is to address the humanitarian crisis, said the prime minister, noting that after the 2009 debt crisis and the painful austerity and reform program introduced under the bailout agreements with lenders, Greece has led developed countries in poverty among children.

Another priority is to restart the economy by supporting debt-ridden enterprises to stand on their feet, stimulating growth and creating new jobs to tackle record high unemployment, Tsipras said.

He added that the government is ready to move ahead with a four-year comprehensive national plan of reforms, investment and development which would not lead to new deficits.

The third priority is to renegotiate with lenders on collaboration after the expiry of the bailout in late February this year.

Meanwhile, Tsipras also pledged to fight corruption and create a fair and stable tax system.

Tsipras, leader of anti-bailout SYRIZA party, was sworn in on Monday as Greece's new prime minister. Endi