The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-05-14

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Garganas Issues Warnings Halt to Overborrowing

Sources: KATHIMERINI

The Bank of Greece is intending to put a halt to excessive commissions and other expenses charged by banks. In a wide-ranging interview to newspaper Kathimerini, the Governor of the Bank of Greece, Nikos Garganas, revealed that he asked the Government to draw up a legislative regulation, whereby the central bank would undertake the protection of customers and institute rules. In addition, Garganas issued warnings towards everyone, urging citizens not to borrow excessively, unionists not to contend pay rises that lead to inflation and subsequently reduce the real income of wage earners, and the political world not to be swept away by the next pre-election campaign and proceed with promises that would disrupt economic stability. He also noted that the lack of structural changes supports poverty and reminded, "We are an Economy that is being deprived of competitiveness."

Actually, a recent survey conducted by TNS-ICAP, on behalf of the Bank of Greece, on an indicative sample of households throughout the country demonstrated that 88% of households that have taken out loans pay 40% of their monthly income to cover their monthly instalments. Given that a possible further increase in interest rates would increase the cost of loans based on floating interest rates, the Bank of Greece recommends to households to seek loans with fixed interest rates if they do not wish to take on the relevant risk.

Referring to social security, Garganas voiced his satisfaction over the agreement between the two major parties to engage in talks. "It is proper to secure social and political consent," he noted, but warned, "Lack of consent should not become an alibi to avoid the necessary changes."

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

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KATHIMERINI

[02] Noted Nikitas Kaklamanis Aiming to Improve Daily Living

Sources: NET - ANA

Speaking on TV network NETs show "Sta Akra", Nikitas Kaklamanis explained his vision for the Municipality of Athens. The Mayor of Athens candidate said that, provided he is elected by the people, his main priorities would be to improve the daily lives of the citizens and the image of the Greek capital. He also considers that proclaiming Athens a Metropolitan Municipality would be extremely important for the future of the capital, while he revealed that he will be meeting with Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis in the context of his pre-election contacts. Kaklamanis further declared he aims at creating a private municipal university for tourism studies, so as to make Athens a top choice of holidaymakers.

Moreover, in his interview to newspaper Kyriakatiki Eleftherotypia, Kaklamanis underlined that he knows and loves the city, stressing that major remodeling of cities do not take place in just one term in office. He also repeated his proposals to demolish dated buildings so as to create open spaces, while he presented the idea of appointing a daily affairs deputy mayor who would spend his time wandering the streets of the city, listening and watching.

Supporting Weaker Groups

He also believes that the Government is taking on initiatives on a series of matters, is advancing and improving, while PASOK "is making the same mistake we were making for many years: Everything is bleak, nothing is right." Moreover, Kaklamanis considers that the greatest risks for the Government are "own-goals," stressing, "We have to focus on the weaker groups in the second part of out term."

As for the next general elections, he noted, "Our No 10, - Kostas Karamanlis will lead the team into a second term in office, while I think that George Papandreou needs a lot more practice." However, he declared, "I find his proposal for direct election of the Greek President by the people interesting. It is something that could be discussed."

Asked whether he would have nominated a Muslim for the Drama-Kavala-Xanthi Prefecture, he answered, "I dont think I would have had the guts to do something similar, although I dont agree with those types of distinctions."

Finally, referring to Dimitris Avramopoulos term at the Health Ministry, Kaklamanis said it was still early for any comments, adding, "I am hoping for his success and I will assist in this."

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[03] Clarified the Interior Minister No Changes to Election of Greek President

Sources: ANA - Typos tis Kyriakis

In an interview to newspaper Typos tis Kyriakis, Greek Minister for the Interior, Public Administration and Decentralisation Prokopis Pavlopoulos stressed that the Governments conflict with incidents of corruption and its practices is continuous. In the interview, which focused on Constitutional Review, Pavlopoulos clarified that it is not a conflict with people or a witch-hunt, but a conflict with the incidents that arose due to the lack of an institutional framework.

Referring to George Papandreous proposal for the direct election of the President of the Hellenic Republic, Pavlopoulos reminded that both New Democracy and PASOK had rejected the specific proposal in the previous Constitutional Review. "I am curious to see PASOKs official stance on the issue; and especially, the stance of the then mover of the majority, i.e. Evangelos Venizelos. When they resolve their differences in PASOK, then they can tell us their final proposal." He also noted that ND would not be changing the electoral system for the appointment of the President of the Hellenic Republic.

Analysing the Governments proposals on Constitutional Review, he repeated that permanent status in the public sector was a given, stressing, however, that the thousands of employees with private law contracts should be assimilated, at least when it comes to issues of hierarchy.

Pavlopoulos also ignored PASOKs accusations about abolishing ASEP (Supreme Council for Personnel Selection), repeating for "the hundredth time: ASEP controls both the announcements and the final appointments to DEKOs (public enterprises and utilities)." As he added, "It is wrong for them say that we are creating blue armies when we are giving permanent work contracts to people who were hired by PASOK."

Finally, commenting on the rumours about early elections, he noted that the Constitutional Review process alone proves that the Government will finish its term in office.

As for the results of the upcoming local elections, Pavlopoulos declared that the answer that will be provided by the Greek people for NDs Local Government policies will contain a very significant political message.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[04] Traffic Restrictions Peace March in Athens

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: NET 105.8 - ANA

The marathon peace march organised by the Greek Committee for International Detente and Peace (EEDYE) to commemorate Greek politician Gregoris Lambrakis commenced at 8am Sunday from the Marathon Tomb. The march will end in Syntagma Square, Athens, late in the afternoon. Traffic restrictions will apply on Marathonos Avenue, Mesogeion Avenue and Vasilissis Sofias Street.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

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