On May 10th, an inspection by the Troika experts (the International Monetary Fund, the European Union and the European Central Bank) will begin in Greece. They will assess the current state of implementation of austerity measures, especially in light of the latest figures which emerged during a secret meeting in Luxembourg. According to reports in Greek newspapers, Troika’s new mission – which has already noted to the Athens government the delays seen in the implementation of the economic programme – will be looking closely at the labour sector and the reduction of expenditure in state-owned companies. They will request acceleration in the privatisation plan which the government is counting on to bring in 50 billion euros to be used to reduce the debt and an opening up of closed professions. These reforms have not been put into practice yet. Troika will also have to convince Antonis Samaras, the leader of the main opposition party Nea Dimocratia leader, to tone down opposition to contribute to the implementation of the Medium-Term Economic Stability Plan (2011-2015). The plan calls for the bringing in of 26 billion euros, with 3 billion in 2011 and 23 billion for the 2012-2015 period.
Nea Diomacratia has raised its voice and accused the government of ”irresponsibility” and of having made ”secret agreements”. The party and has demanded to be informed about the Luxembourg meeting, implying that there is no chance of achieving an agreement if the government does not change its economic policies.
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