Towards ensuring social cohesion

The Greek government is still struggling with numbers in an attempt to meet the financial requirements of the program without worsening the everyday economic life of its citizens.

Deputy Economy minister Christos Staikouras presented a surplus of about 400 million euros to dispel the impression created by the shortfall in budget revenues in the first month of the year by about 300 million, but the government staff know they are likely to face the peculiar "I cannot pay" movement. Under Troika orders, the Finance ministry is promoting promotes help towards citizens and businesses to repay their debts, hoping that this will fill its coffers. The leaks, however, that the Troika is demanding wage commitments and real estate foreclosures against overdue debts, create an environment of economic terrorism, intensify insecurity and the dissatisfaction of citizens at a time when social cohesion and political stability are necessary for Greece to move forward.

The government believes that the Troika will show tolerance to deviations from the objectives and allow a certain easing so things do not lead to a deadlock. PM Antonis Samaras needs vital time for privatizations and attracting investment plans to start bearing fruit. He must avoid widespread social unrest that would convey a negative message abroad.

Along with the arrangements for the settlement of debts, the Greek government is preparing a social network to help the unemployed and those most affected by its economic policy.

The prolonged protests of farmers, who say they will begin blocking roads after the negative response of the Greek prime minister to their request for a meeting, is one of the main problems of Samaras’ government; as well as the issue of layoffs of public employees asked for by the Troika, which has engendered strong reactions by relevant minister Antonis Manitakis and DIMAR president Fotis Kouvelis, who supports him.

Labour minister Yannis Vroutsis moved away from his intention to change the law on trade unions and strikes after strong reactions from both parties of the opposition and of course, the leadership of the trade unions.