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Athens News Agency: News in English, 05-12-05Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>CONTENTS
[01] Debate begins in Parliament on Tuesday on DEKO draft lawDebate begins in Parliament on Tuesday of the new draft law concerning Public Utilities and Corporations (DEKO), which brings radical changes in companiies of the broader public sector. The first aim is to curb waste in expenditures and the improvement of the obliged public utilities and corporations. The General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) and the Civil Servants' Administrative Council (ADEDY) have announced a strike on December 14, in reaction to the intended changes in DEKO and argue that these changes will overturn labour rights.Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis in statements on Monday said that the draft law advanced by the government "constitutes the greatest reform effort of the past years." He underlined that "the provocative economic privileges of the administrations will be cut," adding that DEKO heads who do not perform will be removed. Alogoskoufis said:"Despite reactions by trade union organisations, the philosophy of Article 14 will not change. If there are proposals which can improve it, they are most welcome. This is why a dialogue is being held." Responding to reporters' questions regarding increases in pensions and salaries, the minister committed himself "that they will be the highes possible which the margins of inflation permit." [02] Bakoyanni named 2005 World MayorMayor of Athens Dora Bakoyanni was named World Mayor 2005 in an annual contest organised by the London-based City Mayors organisation. Bakoyannis was one of 65 mayors from all over the world who made it to the final stage of the competition, out of an initial 550 contestants. The runner up is Hazel McCallion, Mayor of Mississauga (Ontario/Canada). In third place is Alvaro Arzu, Mayor of Guatemala City, with Oscar Samson Rodriguez, Mayor of San Fernando (Pampanga/Philippines) in fourth place.More than 85,000 people voted online between June and October 2005 to select the winner based on who they thought had done the most in contributing to his/her city's prosperity and proving to be an effective mayor. The contest aims to raise the profile of mayors worldwide as well as to honour those who have served their communities well and who have made contributions to the well-being of cities nationally and internationally. In 2004, Edi Rama, Mayor of Tirana, won the Award. Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |