The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 10-08-13

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] More Electricity Generators to Aegina

Power Corporation (DEH) will transport 15 electricity generators of 15MW total power from Holland to Aegina. They will have been installed on the island of Aegina, at a site agreed in cooperation with local authorities till August, 16. The Power Corporation came to this decision in order to have the 15 electricity generators as reserve till the damage in the second underwater electricity transfer cable is restored. The 15 electricity generators came as an addition to the already installed 12 which have been put into operation. The total 27 electricity generators will remain on the island till the damage in second underwater cable is fully restored. Also another seven generators producing energy for water pumpers or wherever else they are needed will remain on the island.

Source: ΑNA-ΜPA

Σχετική είδηση: Ανάσα για την Αίγινα

News item: 39407

[02] Meeting on "West Nile Virus"

Imathia Prefecture Epidemiology Surveillance Committee holds a meeting on the recent cases identified with the "West Nile Virus" at the premises of the prefecture, at 12:00. In the meantime the pesticide spraying program in Northern Greece is in progress. A child is among the 32 patients infected with the Nile virus at the Thessaloniki hospital . The director of Thessaloniki Hospital for Infectious Diseases Peter Seridis said the child and all other patients are in good state of health.

Source: ΝΕΤ 105.8- ΑNA/ΜPA

Relevant News: Encephalitis Cases Rise

News item: 39404

[03] Targets to Boost Growth & Jobs

The course of economy is at a nodal point while the government is placing high significance in the observation of the memorandum commitments. Deceleration of growth in the second quarter of the year and drop in state revenues create difficulties that should be overcome in order to achieve recovery. Reduction in investments and consumption has led to a 3.5% drop in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in an annual base, half percentage point beyond forecast. The government's aim is to boost growth, key to positive course of other indexes such as unemployment rate.

In the meantime, government spokesman George Petalotis, in an interview with state television channel NET, ruled out additional measures. He reconfirmed support to weak social groups through streamlining of social expenditures.

However, there is high concern with the rise in unemployment rate which has risen to 12% in May compared against 8.5% in the same month last year and 11.9% in April, 2010 according to data released by the National Statistics Service.

The total number of unemployed rose to 602.185 in May, as unemployment rate rose by 42% in one year, in number 181.764 people. The number of unemployed is expected to drop due increased tourist activities during summer.

Regions with the highest unemployment in May are the following:

East Macedonia-Thrace 15,9%

West Macedonia 13,3%

Sterea Hellas 13%

Crete 12,8% and

Attica 11,9%

One in three young adults is unemployed while in the group ages 15-24 and 25-34 unemployment rate in percentage points is 32,5% and 15,8% respectively.

Employment Ministry predicts rise of unemployment rate to 14% till the end of the year while GSEE (Confederation of Greek Labour) speaks of 500.000 new lay offs in 2010 and rise of unemployment to 20%.

Reactions

"Need for change of course is apparent", says ND deputy Hristos Staikuras.

The GCP stresses: "The crisis is capitalistic and deep. Whatever recovery will be anemic, sacrifices of people will continue and will escalate unless people's counter-revolt unfolds".

On his part, SYRIZA parliamentary spokesman Pangiotis Lafazanis says: "The country is experiencing a big tragedy with Greece's economy having entered into the deepest post war recession and the number of unemployed heading to one million".

Eurostat Data

Eurostat data indicates 10% unemployment rate in May and June, in the euro region while sectors with the highest unemployment rate are construction, textiles, manufacture and agriculture.

Source: ΝΕΤ News item: 39394

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article