The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-12-20

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

CONTENTS

[01] Wrangling on State-Budget

Mr Alogoskoufis admitted that the target for a 2.7%-development rate is difficult amid the unprecedented economic uncertainty. However, he rejected the opposition's allegations that the state-budget may not be materialized.The minister criticized PASOK, pointing out that the margins in support of low income earners would have been wider if the past governments had not created a huge public debt.Mr Pangalos, from his side, stated that the deficit of current transactions was 6% when the ND took over, adding that Mr Alogoskoufis failed to materialize the ND's promises made in 2004.He also argued that as per financial analysts, Greece will be ousted from the EMU and will be forced to refer to the International Monetary Union.In an interview with Eleftherotypia newspaper, ND Secretary Lefteris Zagoritis states that what matters now is to exit from the crisis, adding that all necessary changes will take place.No scandal was unveiled, no one was jailed and only a few lost their ministerial thrones, independent parliamentary member Mr. Tatoulis said branding the state budget anti social.

ND Parliamentary member Mr. Vassilis Michalionakos stated that after the elections of September 2007, some people showed arrogance and thought they were stay in power for ever.

PASOK secretary Mr. Giannis Ragousis also refered on state budget noting that "it is moving the opposite direction of the financial crisis' exit.."

Macedonia Thrace Minister Margaritis Tzimas put emphasis on the increase of funds to his ministry, criticizing in parallel PASOK for its policy in the province.

"Many PASOK cadres have served in the Macedonia Thrace Ministry. Since 2007, the budget we are voting for is up by 129%. In 2007, it was 12.5 million euros and now it is 43 million euros. Over a 130% increase of the programme of public investments and of the budget of the Macedonia Thrace Ministry. This is what PASOK had done for the province," stressed Mr Tzimas. "

News item: 16957

[02] New Gallop: PASOK on the Lead with no Majority

According to Kapa Research conducted for Vima tis Kyriakis newspaper, ND gathers 28,8%, PASOK 32,9%, KKE 7,6%, SYRIZA 7,3%, LAOS 3,9% and Ecologists 3,4%.

Citizens' dissatisfaction for both parties rises to 70%.Rass gallop conducted for PARON newspaper, ND receives 30,5%, PASOK 33,3%, KKE 7,8%, SYRIZA 6,2%, LAOS 4,4% and Ecologists 3,2%.

In Public Issue's gallop conducted for Kathimerini newspaper, ND gathers 32,5%, PASOK 38,5%, SYNASPISMOS 12%, KKE 4%, LAOS 3,5% and Ecologists 3,5%.

News item: 16956

[03] ND-PASOK say No to Ecumenical Ministers

Christos Verelis' suggestion per the election of a mutually accepted by both ND and PASOK minister of finance until parliamentary elections take place triggered reactions and comments. PASOK MP Thodoros Pagalos also recommended ministers of mutual trust in ministries of Public Order, Justice and Finance. PASOK and ND MPs reject the scenarios per co operation between the two parties. Mr. Verelis on his side made clear that he has never submitted suggestion per the formation of an ecumenical government, noting that such governments constitute a negative development. "Just when elections are announced, international markets will consider that there is going to be a change in the government and will express afresh their trust to the Greek economy", he noted

ND MP Lefteris Zagoritis said that a solution will not be given by ecumenical ministers and ecumenical governments but by Kostas Karamanlis' government.

The suggestion targets at forcing workers to pay for the financial crisis. KKE announced. Governmental members as well as other MPs reject the proposals too. Development minister Mr. Christos Folias said that Pagalos' proposal can not flourish given the situation. Procedures must take place in Parliament and not in journalists' offices PASOK MP Michalis Chrisochoidis added and concluded that Mr. Pagalos and Mr. Verelis' proposals are not going to be discussed in Parliament.

"Some suggest an ala carte co government" Mr. Vgenopoulos commented.

Source: NET, NET 105.8

News item: 16954

[04] Forty Days without G. Koiliaris

Society

Almost 40 days have passed since journalist Giorgos Koiliaris passed away. A memorial service was held at Zographou cemetery in his honor. Just as today, it was Saturday on 15 November when Koiliaris lost the "war" and three days later we were saying farewell to him.

Present at today's memorial service were his friends and colleagues, who honored a special man, friend and colleague.His colleagues will play against Panathinaikos FC veterans at 18:15 on Monday at Panathinaikos football ground in his honor.

News item: 16950

[05] Student Rallies Continue

The representatives of professors, teachers and University professors are determined to continue with their rallies in the beginning of 2009. Specifically, they decided to begin with a new round of rallies on 9 January, as 18 years ago Nikos Temponeras was assasinated on the same day.

Students have decided to hold a rally before the Education Ministry at 12:00 on 23 December, protesting to state violence.In parallel, they will sing the carols to the Education minister. Similar events will take place in several parts Attica municipalities.

The students' coordinating body, which will meet again on 6 January, has taken the above decisions today.

They have decided to continue their rallies on 9 January, day when 18 years ago Nikos Temponeras was assassinated. Meanwhile, SYRIZA (Coalition of the Radical Left) Parliamentary Group head Alekos Alavanos has asked the PM to accept the students' councils and listen to them. His proposal came after his meeting with National Technical University of Athens Rector, who stated tension is abating.

In parallel, on Monday the police will conduct a ballistics test on the spot where the 15-year-old student was killed in order to discover how the student had been shot by the policeman.At the same time, students are continuing with their peaceful rallies in Patras in almost a daily basis, while a fresh rally will take place this afternoon.

News item: 16947

[06] High Key in Parliament

The debate on the state-budget, which continues in Parliament for the fourth day, will conclude Sunday evening with a roll call vote. Tension prevailed in yesterday's session, due to the wrangling between Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis and PASOK (Socialists) MP Theodoros Pangalos. Yesterday, the Finance Minister assured that Greece would not refer to the International Monetary Fund, as former Prime Minister Costas Simitis had argued, accusing in parallel PASOK of acting irresponsibly.

Mr Alogoskoufis admitted that the target for a 2.7%-development rate is difficult amid the unprecedented economic uncertainty. However, he rejected the opposition's allegations that the state-budget may not be materialized.The minister criticized PASOK, pointing out that the margins in support of low income earners would have been wider if the past governments had not created a huge public debt.Mr Pangalos, from his side, stated that the deficit of current transactions was 6% when the ND took over, adding that Mr Alogoskoufis failed to materialize the ND's promises made in 2004.He also argued that as per financial analysts, Greece will be ousted from the EMU and will be forced to refer to the International Monetary Union.In an interview with Eleftherotypia newspaper, ND Secretary Lefteris Zagoritis states that what matters now is to exit from the crisis, adding that all necessary changes will take place.

M. Tzimas' Speech

Macedonia Thrace Minister Margaritis Tzimas put emphasis on the increase of funds to his ministry, criticizing in parallel PASOK for its policy in the province."Many PASOK cadres have served in the Macedonia Thrace Ministry. Since 2007, the budget we are voting for is up by 129%. In 2007, it was 12.5 million euros and now it is 43 million euros. Over a 130% increase of the programme of public investments and of the budget of the Macedonia Thrace Ministry. This is what PASOK had done for the province," stressed Mr Tzimas. "How is it possible to pretend that you are interested when the ministry is unable to put out to tender a project worth even one euro from the First, Second and Third Community Support Framework? Although you have been for 20 years in power, you managed two and a half community support frameworks and had a ministry on which depend almost half of the Greek self-governments and over 7,000 cultura and sports clubs, without a technical service and without managerial competence. This was your real interest in the Greek province," added Mr Tzimas.He also referred to the Karamanlis government's big visions such as the Metro, the Thessaloniki novelty zone, as well as projects that are worth billions of euros which are in progress."It is clear that two worlds are in clash in Greece lately. The world of populism, expressed by the main opposition and the world of responsibility, to which we are devoted," concluded the Macedonia Thrace minister.

News item: 16946

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