New Measures Aim For Political Consensus
The Greek government proceeds with a double opening to gain both intraparty and opposition approval of the measures, which it has already agreed with the troika.
However, three days after the agreement leaked information remains limited. Sources speak of painful yet necessary interventions in revenues, eyeing shutdowns in public organizations, possible dismissals, large reductions in wages, tax cuts and public expenditure.
However, specific information is related only to tax measures. The government attempts to obtain opposition’s consensus and smooth strong intraparty reactions.
Sources note that the troika appeared indulgent to not reducing the tax shelter for pensioners, while the government would decide on employees’ tax shelter. A several-month postponement of increasing in VAT rates has been decided with a possibility of an overall reform if alternatives are found. Moreover, the excise duty on soft drinks may also be postponed, while the arbitrary building regulation and privatization program is considered a point of agreement with the opposition.
The privatization fund will be under the jurisdiction of the Greek state, promoted as a government’s achievement, although it will be subject to troika’s monitor every three months. However, it is possible to be asked for collaterals for the new loan to Greece.
The measures will be presented firstly to the government and ruling party officials, and later to the public. They will be discussed at an informal cabinet meeting on Monday, while an economic party team will meet on Tuesday in order to milden intraparty reactions. A formal cabinet meeting will be held on Wednesday .
(capital.gr)
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