The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-11-24

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

CONTENTS

[01] Public Policy Holders to Pay at Private Outpatients Surgery

As of 15 December, policy holders will have to pay for their tests at private surgeries, following their doctors' decision to suspend their contracts with most Social Funds. Then, they will have to submit their receipts to their Funds to get back the money they had paid.

The doctors' decision came as an answer to the Funds' delays in paying them back.

News item: 15918

[02] The Chinese President Visits Greece

Willing to Further Improve Bilateral Relations

President of the People's Republic of China Hu Jintao arrived in Athens on Monday and was greeted upon arrival at Athens International Airport by Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis.

Upon his arrival Mr Hu Jintaoexpressed his pleasure over his visit to Greece with which China has had friendly relations ever since and referred to the two countries' relations which develop fast. He added that both sides wish to boost bilateral relations

Meanwhile, in an interview with Xinhua news agency Mr Karamanlis described the Chinese President's visit to Greece a landmark, expressing the hope that both sides would boost their bilateral relations. He also referred to the opportunities offered by China's economic development to Greek enteprises.

Additionally, he stated that Greece should become a hub of the wider region, attracting Chinese investments. Finally, SYRIZA (Coalition of the Radical Left) Parliamentary Group head Alekos Alavanos stated he would not attend this evening's dinner in protest to the selling of Piraeus port to Chinese Cosco.

News item: 15915

[03] Pondering on Polls

The latest polls give PASOK (Socialists) the lead by 1.1-4.5%. As per a poll conducted by RASS on behalf of Apogevmatini newspaper, PASOK is leading by 32.1% on voting intention with the ND ruling party garnering 31%. In parallel, VPRC poll commissioned by Kyriakatiki Eleftherotypia newspaper gives PASOK a 4.5-point lead over ND, while as per a FOCUS research commissioned by REAL NEWS, PASOK is ahead with 3.7 points. In all three polls, Karamanlis is projected as the most suitable person as PM.

At the same time, the government describes polls a reflection of the moment, adding that there is still time for the elections to be declared, while PASOK appears to be optimistic.

A new poll conducted by RASS and commissioned by Apogevmatini newspaper gives a 1.1% lead to PASOK.

Regarding voting intention, PASOK is leading with 32.1%, ND comes second with 31%, SYRIZA third with 8.5%, LAOS fifth with 4.2%, Ecologists sixth with 3%, Others get 1% while those who cast a blank vote got 2.5%. 10.3% did not answer.

Kostas Karamanlis is ahead George Papandreou by 13.3% as the most suitable person for premiership, garnering 46.8% against Papandreou's 33.5%. 18.7% prefer neither.

38.1% believe that Karamanlis could handle Greece's problems in the best possible way and 30.6% Papandreou, while 29.4% believe neither. Regarding the financial crisis, about 77% of the Greeks feel concerned over the repercussions, only 13.7% wishes early elections to be declared and 10.5% would like to see a new political party is founded.

News item: 15914

[04] Markets Skyrocket

News

European markets have been surging today, while Wall Street opened with 4% gains on the occasion of the US Treasury's news that it is ready to invest 20 billion dollars to save Citigroup. At the same time, Mr Bush's outgoing government has announced that it would try to save Citigroup with capital guarantees amounting to 306 billion dollars.The Indices of the biggest European markets have been recording now up to 10% gains. At the same time, British PM Gordon Brown has announced a 15billion sterling pound plan to lead the British economy out of recession.

At around 21:30 Greek time, Dow Jones industrial was up 2.89%, while Nasdaq high technology 3.84% up. Standard & Poor's 500 index was up 4.09%, FTSE up by 9.84%, Cac in France up by 10.09% and Frankfurt's Dax up by 10.34%. In Italy, the market in Milan SP/Mib Index closed with a 7.37% rise.

News item: 15921

[05] No New Taxes to be Imposed

Karamanlis also touched on the plans to have regional airports modernized, with a view to paving the way for new investments and jobs, so that the young will not leave their place of residence.

The Prime Minister underlined that the economy is the major challenge, which concerns all the citizens and the nation's political forces, further noting that the government has opted for responsibility. He then went on to stress that reforms are more necessary than ever.

Asked on taxes and the increased revenues the 2009 state budget predicts, Karamanlis underlined that they will result from the tightened measures against tax evasion and the economic growth, adding that no new taxes will be imposed in 2009.

In fact, he said that tax rates on natural persons are forecast to drop to 25 percent.

Reactions by Opposition Parties

Commenting on the Prime Minister's visit to the Transport Ministry, PASOK deputy and section head for transport and communication affairs Nikos Sifounakis said:

"The Prime Minister confirmed that, for as long as he is in power, his goals will include selling off state property."

The Greek Communist Party issued a statement, reading that businessmen are subject to symbolic taxation after the continuous cuts in tax rates by both the Conservative and Socialist governments.

"The Prime Minister's commitment against new taxes applies to the capital and not to the people. The truth is that the working class will keen being robbed of by the monopolies and the state," stressed KKE's statement.

Source: NET, ANA-MPA

News item: 15905

[06] Rice to Tour Europe from 30/11 -5/12

News item: 15922

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