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Greece under threat, political parties indulge in political games

25 October 2011 / 22:10:29  GRReporter
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Awaiting the decisions of the European Summit on the Greek debt haircut, political passions in Athens are still raging. The Greek government may not take part in the final decisions in Brussels, but has decided to share at national level and according to some commentators, not to assume responsibility for the ratification of the agreement that will be signed by the Greek Parliament. Late last night, the Minister of Finance Evangelos Venizelos made a statement from the Belgian capital, which confirmed the intentions of the Cabinet.

"By order of the Prime Minister I informed the leaders of opposition parties on all matters: the framework for the negotiations, the main figures, the critical issues, the priorities and risks. It is clear that the government believes that such issues should be resolved with a greater sense of responsibility and therefore, they must be voted in Parliament, if possible with an increased majority. Not because it is required legally, but because it is imposed by national considerations and it is a matter of political responsibility."

According to commentators, the government is trying to pressure New Democracy, because they believe from PASOK that Antonis Samaras would not hold to his refusal to the end, concerning an agreement that would relieve Greece from its huge debt. The fact that there are members from the main opposition party who disagree with the official party position and in private conversations support the debt haircut is strengthening the hope of the government. In addition, sources from New Democracy say that the party is not opposing the debt reduction but the measures related with the contract.

Other sources indicate that the possible submission of the issue to the Parliament, although the government is not obliged to do it, will be twofold: the vote on the agreement and the initiation of early elections.

"I will not sign the grant of sovereignty" is Antonis Samaras’ definite answer whenever he is asked what he would do if the government requested an increased majority of 180 MPs when the new loan for the country is voted.

The right wing continues to insist that there is no possibility to coalition with PASOK in the government of national consensus or salvation. A statement by one of the political advisers of Antonis Samaras, Dimitris Stamatis for radio VimaFm shows this very clearly as he said that a government with the participation of PASOK and New Democracy would be a parliamentary junta.

"They are suggesting numerous solutions except one: they do not allow the people to express their opinion and discretion. What democracy is this?" he wondered.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister met the President Karolos Papoulias and informed him about the negotiations in Brussels. George Papandreou said that Greece was now fighting in a particularly difficult battle to reach its revival. He told Karolos Papoulias that all the factors should demonstrate soberness, calmness and unity. He also expressed his hope of reaching to decisions tomorrow with the willingness of the partners as well as his desire to turn one page forward and to progress within the country and in Europe.

Despite PASOK deputies assurances that the law changing the labour relations voted last week would be the last they would support, the government is preparing a new bill to change the tax system. The economic team is discussing the option to change the taxation of the income of freelancers, independent merchants and even the rates ​​of value added tax.

These changes are expected to bring additional duties. At the same time, fears that the large haircut will affect very seriously the Greek social security funds, which own a large number of government bonds, are getting stronger.

Tags: PoliticsIncreased mаjorityParliamentLoan agreementGreeceBrusselsGeorge PapandreouAntonis Samaras
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