We got Troika approval for hiring

The government’s proposals to the Troika, seem to have passed the test without any corrections and red markings. Minister Yiannis Ragousis is “refurbishing” the public sector.

There will be hiring finally, and that is for 10.600 new positions for temporary staff in 2011 – including all transfers of staff from Public Businesses of Common Interest.

The number of new employees is under the 5 to 1 ratio that has already been agreed upon (5 retire, 1 is hired).
Moreover, a new unified system of salaries in the public sector will be voted in June and will be implemented directly after for both old and new employees.

The Troika was also impressed with the Minister’s initiative of broaching the issue of opening hours in certain sections of public services. The Troika was informed on all current issue and the expenditure needed to solve those issues and make changes.

The only thorn in Mr.Ragousis' side will be if the financial results of the new Organizations of Local Government, a part of the “Kallikratis” programme, do not manage to reach their financial goals and save 1,17 billion euros annually.