The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 10-02-03

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] Reforming the Prime Minister's Office

Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou picked Professor Economics of the Warwick University in the UK Herakles Polemarchakis to lead his economy office. Papandreou also picked Professor Panagiotis Tsakloglou to lead the Social Policy Unit and Professor Alexis Kokkos to head the Lifelong Learning Department.

Furthermore, State Minister Haris Paboukis was chosen to chair the Committee on the Modernising of the Government. The above committee will receive a helpful hand by the following world experts:

- Kevin Featherstone, Professor of Contemporary Greek Studies at the Hellenic Observatory of LSE.

- Richard Parker, Lecturer in Public Policy and Senior Fellow of the Shorenstein Center

- Roger Wilkins, Special Advisor of Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

- Leif Pagrotsky, Swedish Social Democratic politician and former Industry Minister.

- Jeoff Mulgan, former Director of Policy at 10 Downing Street under the British Prime Minister. News item: 32851

[02] World Media more Favourable after Commission Okayed Greek Stability Plan

As soon as the European Commission okayed Greece's stability plan, the world media adopted a more favourable stance towards Greece. They have linked, however, the plan's success to the Greek government's determination to implement the measures. Analysts have forecast social reactions, however, the majority of the columnist believe that Athens will get its partners' backing.

In his interview with CNN, Greek Finance Minister Giorgos Papakonstantinou said there will be reactions, however, he believes that the government will succeed in its work. "We enjoy the support of the main opposition party, under conditions, though. We will have to see if they will keep backing us, but they have acknowledged the seriousness of the situation. As for the people of Greece, we are convinced that they have come to realize that it is high time for tough decision and they will offer their backing provided the measures remain fair," commented Giorgos Papakonstantinou.

The Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou suggested a tough austerity plan, said Skynews.

Under the title "EU to Police Greek Accounts," BBC columnist Gavin Hewitt read: "The room for manoeuvre is slight. If the cuts are too severe the public sector workers will resist on the streets. If Greeks back away from spending it will depress the economy further, stifle growth and reduce tax receipts. If the government fails to implement tough decisions the markets will push up the cost of borrowing on the international markets."

Sounding on the same wavelength, Wall Street Journal touched on Joseph Stieglitz's fears on a possible blow to the country's growth.

Italian Repubblica placed emphasis on the Greek Premier's statement, whereby profiteers are exerting pressure on Greece.

New York Times referred to Brussels' surveillance, adding that since Greece is not one of the largest eurozone economies, problems will be addressed easily.

Spain El Pais focused on the rise in taxes and in the age retirement limits.

The Greek Prime Minister said there will be a freeze on public sector pay, said US magazine Business Week.

Source: NET News item: 32848

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article