The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 10-01-24

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Timetable for Economic Review

The next three-month period is considered crucial for the course of Greece's economy. Both evaluation of stability plan by European Commission as well as submission of taxation draft-bill to the Parliament are moves which will lead to developments. The target is to prove to world markets that the Greek state can borrow even at higher interest rates.

On his part, European Central Bank head Jean-Claude Trichet speaks of fundamental reorientation of Greece's economic policy to bring deficit down while ECB executive Juergen Stark speaks of salary cuts. Sunday's press carry several statements on developments in the economic field by senior government officials.

Theodoros Pangalos, vice president rules out a " Plan B" in the sense of a trick to avoid difficulties. He warns that if Greece goes bankrupt this will affect other countries and maybe all Europe and estimated that sooner or later Greece will achieve the economic miracle.

Minister for Economics Louka Katselis said that taxation measures and income policy should be announced soon to send message of the government's determination to foreign investors.

Defense Minister Evangelos Benizelos underlined the need for national coordination, adding that some of the pressures are targeted at the euro and profiteering moves. News item: 32369

[02] Samaras Sends Strict Messages

ND leader A. Samaras, in his speech to the Central Committee, sent strict messages to his party's senior officials.. He made clear that he would not tolerate introversion, underlining that he was not elected to retain fragile balances. He strongly criticized the government and blamed it for not taking the necessary economic measures.

Addressing the Central Committee, ND party leader A. Samaras spoke of a need for new "Restoration of Government" in the country adding that a course for a new "New Democracy party has already begun and would conclude at the 8th regular Principals and Positions ND Congress. He also underlined that he would not tolerate introversion within the party and made clear that he objected to non-institutional solutions.

Specifically he said: " Yes to Democracy but Never to Introversion... I was not elected to retain fragile balances. My only obligation is to the hundreds of my voters. The ND party will become a pole of a new social majority and not a fragile coalition of individual and group strategies". He also added that the ND party has room for all and each one separately and can not spare anyone.

Mr. Samaras blamed the government for losing control under the stress of confusion as spreads hit new highs and Employment Minister stating that social security funds have dried out. He referred to his opposition strategy that surprised the established political system. He stressed that if the ND undermined every PASOK move, it would not only harm PASOK but it would harm the country as well. " We will monitor PASOK moves neither as mere viewers nor as benevolent advisors. We will try to persuade it to do what is right for the country and we will object when it makes mistakes. We know the problems and have a plan. We will be strict against PASOK when it takes a wrong road or loses control" said Mr. Samaras.

Regarding farmers' mobilizations, the ND party leader repeated his objection to roadblocks but admitted that the seriousness of farmers' problems that have led to deadlock and concern the whole society. He, however, made clear that he objected to proposals for non-institutional solutions which disregard the country's political forces despite the difficult circumstances.

D. Bakoyiannis Calls for "Interior Party Dialogue"

In her speech, former Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyiannis underlined the need for clear political speech on all crucial issues concerning society and asked for an open and substantial interior party dialogue on the reasons of ND defeat in October elections. She also stressed that there was no room for half words or individual strategies.

P. Psomiadis Backs the New President

Panagiotis Psomiadis backed Antonis samaras and called on ND senior members to support the new leader to prevent division of the party. "One is the leader and we", he said.

News item: 32356

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