A reduced public sector, the government serving its mandate and the promotion of structural changes are among the policies than could lead Greece to overcome the ongoing crisis, according to former Prime Minister Constantinos Mitsotakis. Speaking at the launch of a publication regarding his premiership days, “Ahead of its Time: The New Democracy Government 1990-1993” on Monday, the honorary president of the conservative party noted that while the country was not at the brink of collapse, the pace of recovery was particularly slow.

Highlighting the need to reduce the size of the public sector as well as bureaucracy, Mitsotakis noted that “You can’t have a smaller state without fewer employees.”

The senior statesman argued that had his government completed its term the country would not have taken a route toward disaster. He also questioned the policies implemented by subsequent governments, with the exception of a portion of the first part of the premiership of PASOK's Costas Simitis which led to Greece's admission in the eurozone.

Mitsotakis, 94, also spoke of the dangers associated with the rise of extreme right party Golden Dawn.