Greece’s creditors were reluctant to agree with a labor ministry proposal to freeze repayments of professionals and freelancers in arrears, putting a hurdle in the second bailout program review.
In the ongoing negotiations with creditors over the prerequisites of the second review of the progress of Greece’s bailout program, Labor Minister Giorgos Katrougalos found lenders unwilling to accept one of his proposals.
The Greek minister proposed to freeze repayments of professionals and freelancers who owe to security funds until December 31, 2016 and pay only the current contributions. This will allow the market to breathe, he said, and at the same time will add to state revenues.
It should be noted that professionals and freelancers who owe to security funds cannot get clearance certificate from tax authorities.
The labor minister will also propose the creation of a welfare security fund for professionals and freelancers with reduced contributions.
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras had rushed to promise professionals and freelancers in arrears the freezing of their repayments during his September 10 speech at the Thessaloniki International Fair. However, it is uncertain whether creditors would accept the measure after their initial doubts. They said that they will study the proposal and reply to the labor minister at a later date.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
