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Antenna: News in English, 96-10-24Antenna Radio News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: Antenna Radio <http://www.antenna.gr> - email: antenna@compulink.grNews in English, of 24/10/1996TITLES
SIMITISAs the prime minister embarks on leading the country over the next four years, he's promising that MPs will have more of a say in running the government.Kostas Simitis met with representatives of Pasok's parliamentary group to discuss the new budget. Afterwards, Simitis said that his MPs, and parliament as a whole, are going to play a more active role in running the country. The premier is going to put his 1997 budget proposals before the MPs for discussion before they go to a vote. Pasok's parliamentary secretary thinks all of the ruling party's MPs will vote in favour of the budget. Kostas Simitis is spending the final days before approving a final budget proposal listening to other people's ideas. After discussing the budget with the prime minister, labour minister Miltiades Papaioannou said that through discussion, the final budget picture is taking shape. Nothing has been decided yet, he added. NDMiltiades Evert, whose leadership of New Democracy has been questioned since the parliamentary election loss in September, appeared determined to adhere to his political ideas.He told the party's central committee New Democracy will continue to attract centre-right voters: it will stay committed to free market liberalism, while remaining sensitive to the weaker economic groups in society. "We'll maintain our identity, and the popular physiognomy of our party", he said. "The struggles of ordinary people will be our struggles; that's a warning to the government, and a promise to the people". Evert believes that within months, there will be unrest over the government's unpopular economic austerity measures. And he promises to heap harsh criticism on the government when the need arises. The opposition leader also addressed words of advice to his opponents in the party. He said New Democracy has an obligation to be a responsible, effective opposition party. There is no time for internal fighting, he added. The problems before the nation require the party's full attention. Not everyone agrees with that. MP Dora Bakoyianni, who in alliance with Giorgos Souflias and Stephanos Manos forms an anti-Evert pole of attraction in New Democracy, told the committee that the party has been indifferent to the battle of ideas, at its own expense. Bakoyianni has often said that Evert's political outlook is unclear, confusing even party members.The party needs to express its traditional ideas more firmly. In the September elections, according to Bakoyianni, New Democracy simply tried to win protest votes, by appealing to groups with tax gripes. There was complacency, the party was content in its view that Pasok was ready for a fall. Bakoyianni added that New Democracy has a political problem: it has abandoned its traditional conservative ideas to a rightward-moving Pasok. Souflias, Bakoyianni, and Manos want a new party leader elected at the party congress next June. But Evert does not consider himself a lame duck. For him, the leadership issue is settled. Yet there is concern within the ranks. Many members feel a change is needed somewhere. MP Vangelis Maymarakis says the congress will be crucial for the party. He adds that if New Democracy doesn't win the next national election, its existence will be endangered. POLITICAL SPRINGNew Democracy is hoping to bring some lost voters back into the fold.Political Spring was formed by New Democracy defector Antonis Samaras. After a strong showing in the 1993 elections, Spring faltered in September, failing to elect anyone to parliament. During his central committee speech, Miltiades Evert said Spring's failure to capture 3 per cent of the vote in September creates quote "a new situation in the centre-right part of the political spectrum". Evert said New Democracy can take advantage of Spring's slide, and win back its voters. Responding, Spring leader Antonis Samaras said Spring will solve its problems with organisational changes. He added that Spring will also be clear and dynamic in promoting its views on the economy, foreign policy issues, and changes to the constitution he believes are needed. The Spring president says his party's top priority is assessing the reasons for its poor showing at the ballot box. GSEEThe government can expect opposition to its 1997 budget from the opposition parties. It can also expect opposition from the trade unions. Greece's largest union is planning a one-day strike just before the budget vote in parliament. The union is protesting the government's tight incomes policy.INSURANCESome people who thought they have car insurance...may not. Thousands of auto owners have to act soon, or be left by the wayside following the closure of two insurance companies.Deputy commerce minister Michalis Chysichoides announced that the "Mesogio" and "Panelladiki" insurance companies are being shut down. Both fail to meet the government's operating guidelines. Anyone insured with "Mesogio" or "Panelladiki" is advised to take out new insurance within 30 days. They'll be covered by the Insurance Companies' Union in the meantime. The minister also announced some impending changes to the car-insurance road map: uninsured auto owners will be hit with high fines if they're caught driving without coverage. Worse, they'll also have their car and their drivers' licence confiscated. HEALTH / TEETHAsk anyone why they should visit the dentist regularly, and they'll tell you to keep their smile pretty, and chewing painless.But, that's only part of the story, say dentists. Dental decay and gum infections can result in heart and kidney diesease, they warn, and cause dizziness and headaches. Making it all the more important to "mind your mouth". Doctors also say people who grind their teeth in their sleep due to anxiety can end up with headaches and distortions of their facial tissues. BASKETBALLIn sports, four more teams have joined Panathinaikos in the quarterfinal round of the Greek basketball cupship.Aek makes it through with an 82-75 win over Panionios. Apollon advanced with a 73-63 victory over Larisa. Papagou upended Nestoras 67-51. And Vao slipped past Ilisiakos. The score there: 80-76. © ANT1-Radio 1996Antenna Radio News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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