The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 09-09-16

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek PM to Run in Constituencies Beyond Athens

Commenting on the Prime Minister's candidacy, ND spokesman Giorgos Koumoutsakos said:

βKostas Karamanlis and New Democracy have been and are by the farmers' side. The farmers know it. They will prove it at the Sunday rally and at the 4 October general elections.β

In his television interview aired on ANT1 private television, Kostas Karamanlis made it clear that the composition of the ND's ballot was his decision.

He also stressed that a politician is judged by his overall political behavior.

As for the day after the elections, the Greek Premier reiterated that he will be at the front line.

Kostas Karamanlis is due in Brussels on Thursday to attend an extroardinary EU summit meeting.

Source: NET, NET 105.8, ANA/MPA

News item: 26831

[02] Brawl over Economy

Last Updated on Wednesday, 16 September 2009 17:16

Economy keeps fuelling a brawl between the government and the opposition PASOK party, with the debt increase being the key issue.

PASOK parliamentarian and section head for economy Louka Katseli urged the conservative ND party to explain what it did with the extra 100 billion euros the government borrowed in the last five years.

Finance Minister Giannis Papathanasiou stressed that debt rose from 182.3 billion euros at the end of 2003 to 262 billion euros. The annual growth rate for the period 2004-2008 stood at 7.5%.

As to whether the money from the additional borrowing went, Giannis Papathanasiou said that 87% of the debt increase is due to rigid obligations created by PASOK.

Touching on the matter, ND spokesman Giorgos Koumoutsakos stressed that PASOK's policy wishes to doom all the Greeks and especially the low-income earners with debts.

News item: 26836

[03] Legal Instruments for OA, VAT and Auctions

Last Updated on Wednesday, 16 September 2009 17:12

The President of the Hellenic Republic signed the legal instruments needed to close crucial matters pending in Parliament. The legal instruments are to freeze auctions for debts up to 200,000 euros until the end of the year, regulate the VAT payment and safeguard the future of the OA employees.

The legal instrument signed Wednesday by Karolos Papoulias paves the way for the absorption of those OA employees who will not be employed in the new company to other public enterprises.

As for the VAT, under the legal instrument signed, the VAT will be paid is two monthly installments.

With regard to the auctions, debts to banks up to 200,000 euros were decided to be frozen until the end of the year.

Source: NET, NET 105.8, ANA/MPA

News item: 26832

[04] Barroso Wins New Term

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso won a strong mandate to combat Europe's economic crisis by gaining a clear majority in the European Parliament on Wednesday for a second five-year term.

The center-right leader clinched a resounding victory with the backing of 382 of the assembly's 736 deputies, securing the absolute majority he had sought to push through reforms, tighten financial regulations and give the European Union more clout.

The outcome ended weeks of uncertainty, during which his Socialist, Green and Liberal foes tried to block his candidacy, and averted a potential paralysis in the EU's executive that would have undermined its authority and legitimacy.

"Honestly I think now I have reinforced authority," Barroso, a 53-year-old former Portuguese prime minister, said after the vote in the assembly in the French city of Strasbourg.

"After five years (that were) so difficult, so difficult politically, economically, having this clear reaffirmation of support -- it's great," he said.

Barroso had already been endorsed by all 27 EU member states and will now set about forming a new Commission, a powerful regulatory body with a big budget which also initiates laws and represents the nearly 500 million people in the EU.

Despite the clear victory, 219 deputies opposed him and many others abstained after fiercely criticizing his political program. He faces a tough task uniting his opponents behind him and ending the apathy of ordinary Europeans toward the EU.

He also faces a series of challenges, led by pulling Europe out of its deep economic crisis. These will become harder if Irish voters reject the EU's Lisbon reform treaty streamlining EU decision-making in a referendum on October 2.

Source: REUTERS

Older news items: News item: 26830

[05] Vanessa Mae at the Herodion

Last Updated on Wednesday, 16 September 2009 10:31

After a five-year absence, violin queen Vanessa Mae returns in Greece with an amazing line-up featuring all her material at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus - Herodion on 24 September. With her famous electric violin, Vanessa Mae will breathe life into Bach, Beethoven, Brahms and Vivaldi, as well as well tango, Indian music and pop songs..

This time, she will be accompanied by a six-member band, an orchestra and a team of technicians necessary for the presentation of a unique concert.

Get an idea of what she will be performing at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus

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[06] Polls Record Clear Majority

MARC Survey

MARC survey indicates a 7.2% lead for PASOK. Of respondents, 41.2% predict PASOK victory, which percentage gives it a clear majority.

In intention of voting PASOK gathers 36,6% against 29.4% of ND party. The GCP gathers 7,3%, LAOS 5,4% and SYRIZA 3,2%. Percentage points for unclear votes is 13,8%.

Poll results also show that 5 parties will enter into the new Parliament.

VPRC Survey

In the meantime, a survey conducted by VPRC on behalf of TVXS private television channel recorded 8 percentage points gap with PASOK gathering 42,5% of votes and the ND 34,5%.

Πηγή: ΝΕΤ - ΝΕΤ 105,8

News item: 26816

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