New Democracy (ND) is showing hints of disagreement and displeasure with the current government on the issue of following Troika orders, by questioning the necessity of the promoted measures and stating that it has its own agenda, which it promotes via similar communicative operations.
The meeting this evening between PM Lucas Papademos and ND President Antonis Samaras ended shortly before 8 pm and lasted about half an hour. Papademos asked for clear commitments from ND in support of the bills and measures that will lead to the signing of the new loan agreement.
According to Proto Thema, the written statement of ND representative John Michelakis is indicative of the dissension with Maximos Mansion:
“ND chairman Antonis Samaras was briefed by PM Lucas Papademos on the development of the PSI and the state of the economy in view of the Troika’s arrival in our country. These issues were followed by an exchange of views.”
According to reports, the meeting was attended by Stavros Dimas, Chrysanthos Lazaridis, Notis Mitarakis, Chris Staikouras, Yannis Mourmouras, Yannis Vroutsis and Costis Hatzidakis, and they discussed the new measures that have been put on the table by the government.
ND believes that no new financial measures are needed beyond those included in the mid-term and the multi-bill. Moreover, the party argues that implementing the new measures is not within the powers of this government. Regarding supplementary pensions, it says the matter should be considered as settled and that it has wrongly become a priority.
As for the reductions in the private sector, they are saying that these are a matter for our social partners. They believe that wages are not the decisive factor in competitiveness, which in their mind is linked to taxation, the regulatory status of companies, and the cost of paperwork and insurance contributions. They argue that the necessary adjustments to these three factors can be made without affecting wages.
(source: protothema, capital)
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