Crucial weekend for draft laws

Development Minister Kostis Hadjidakis and the Greek government in general are under attack from ND, PASOK and the opposition MPs about the way they once again attempt to legislate. MPs appeared startled as they were expecting a small bill for auctions and VAT in catering and instead received a sweeping multi-bill.

New Democracy MPs explained that "we have no reason to discuss provisions whoes deadline is not 31.12. This bill is unfair to the negotiation effort of the government for auctions," while PASOK MPs made clear that "we are skeptical to negative for all other provisions."

From the side of the opposition, Panagiotis Lafazanis talked about "diversion procedures. You sneak in matters that are not urgent but scandalous novelties for major interests even gratuitous settings for Football Clubs. These are unacceptable things. You should remove the draft law. You circumvent the Constitution and you have no right to insult the colleagues."

Kostis Hadjidakis explained that "the provisions of the auctions, VAT and disability pensions, we all agree are of urgent nature. For KEDE they are adjustment provisions on the assessment and collection of the code that is already in force. If they do not get implemented as provided for we will not harmonize. Everything that is urgent and s memorandum obligation must be voted for while all the rest can go farther back."

In this respect, FinMin Yannis Stournaras is expected to discuss which provisions could be withdrawn. The meeting was interrupted at 12 noon and now there are consultations between government officials and parliamentarians.

Earlier, Terrence Kouik talked about “fascism” and “a theater performance which has now finished." Dimitris Papadimoulis said "we categorically oppose and condemn the procedure arranged by the government. You trivialize every sense of Democracy."