Latest measures will help tackle problems due to capital controls, Alt. FinMin Mardas says

Mardas said that the transfer to banks of cash transaction authorisations for sums up to 100,000 euros will greatly improve the speeds at which these are approved and carried out.

He said the government was aware of the problems caused and apologised to both businesses and pensioners for the hardships to which they were subjected over the past weeks.

Mardas also announced the start of a campaign to inform the public concerning the drachma versus euro debate, noting that "a campaign for the drachma is underway with many inaccuracies and mistakes."

"We are forgetting that in the 20 years from 1980-2000, the drachma lost its value seven times in relation to the dollar and exports just barely doubled," he pointed out. He categorically ruled out the existence of a "drachma plan" on a government policy level, stressing that no such discussion had ever taken place and stressing that any such attempt would find him opposed.

"Our entire effort has been within the euro," he said.

Asked to comment on statements in the press concerning former finance minister Yanis Varoufakis about a 'Plan B' with the parallel currency and hacked tax registration numbers, Mardas said he was "unable to imagine" what was meant and suggested it was time to "rein in" some statements.

"Anyone with his staff can prepare what he likes. The preparations of one minister's staff, however, do not constitute government policy," he said.