The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 10-02-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] Government: No New Measures

The government branded scenarios speaking for new harsher measures aiming to curtail the deficit. The government spokesman made it clear that no additional measures have been decided, further stressing that the government will remain committed to the stability plan. In the meantime, the opposition party of ND (New Democracy) outlined a package of 23 measures aspiring to boost competitiveness, enhance entrepreneurism and increase consumption.

The government spokesman put an end to scenarios speaking of additional measures to tackle the financial crisis.

"...There has been no decision on new additional measures..."

Giorgos Petalotis

"There has been no decision on new additional measures. The only decision made is to implement the stability plan," said Giorgos Petalotis when asked whether Wednesday's cabinet session decided to take new measures.

"The government is giving everyday battles on economy, since it has become clear that our country is under constant attacks," commented he. Petalotis then underlined that the government's key priority is to implement the stability plan, which takes time to yield results.

Samaras' Initiative-ND's Package of Measures on Economy

ND leader Antonis Samaras, who is due in Brussels in the coming week to meet, among other, with the European Commission President, undertook an initiative to reverse the negative climate against Greece.

"..consensus does not mean carte blanche.."

Panos Panagiotopoulos

"Antonis Samaras is giving his battle to help Greece recover from the crisis both in Greece and beyond," said ND spokesman Panos Panagiotopoulos.

However, he noted that when Mr Samaras notes wrong movements, it is his national duty to criticize the Prime Minister and urge him to fix what is wrong

He then made it clear that consensus does not mean carte blanche. "Mr Samaras said that if new measures are required, the government will have to take then by 16 March and not wait to take them later. At the same time, Greece should not resort to the International Monetary Fund, which is not included in the EU bodies," stressed Panos Panagiotopoulos. News item: 33472

[02] Investment in Green Development

Economy Minister Louka Katseli, Environment Minister Tina Birbili and Piraeus Bank Governor Mihalis Sallas outlined a green development programme, which aims to investments in environmental infrastructure and green enterprises, to create 12,000 jobs and to cut CO2 emissions.

As part of the programme, several areas in Greek islands have been selected to host ten environmental business park.

The programme has been estimated to cost 1.5 billion euros.

Source: NET, ANA News item: 33462

[03] Inquiry Committee Sparks Political Tension

The government's decision to set up an inquiry committee to investigate the distortion of financial figures in the last five years put an end to consensus on economy. The Finance Minister confirmed that a relevant request will be submitted to Parliament. He branded the opposition leader's stance on the matter as wrong, stressing he used the government's proposal as an alibi to withhold its consent to the government's financial measures. ND cadre Dimitris Avramopoulos blamed the lack of consensus on the government.

"I suggest the ND leader, who will visit the head of the Central European Bank in the coming week, ask him about the Greek statistical data he had been receiving the last four to five years and then release his answer," said Giorgos Papakonstantinou.

He then called on the main opposition party to join the battle the country is giving to regain its credibility. He also urged ND to claim its share of responsibilities and offer its backing to the government.

ND spokesman Margaritis Tzimas argued that although no one says that the political system is correct, ND cannot be blamed for everything that is happening in Greece. He then said that the inquiry committee should include the 1980s, as well.

Government spokesman Giorgos Petalotis blasted ND because its policies triggered a domino of negative developments for the country and stressed that the government is not considering additional measures and that it remains committed to the implementation of the stability plan it submitted to Brussels.

ND parliamentarian Dimitris Avramopoulos blamed the lack of consensus on the government. Touching on the latest developments, he slammed the government for leading the Greek society to discord, despite the fact it initially responded to the ND's call for consensus.

It takes cooperation and consensus to move ahead, said Avramopoulos.

Source: NET, NET 105.8, ANA/MPE News item: 33459

[04] ND Launches Pre-Conference Workshops

The final countdown for the offset of New Democracy's pre-conference workshops has started. ND leader Antonis Samaras will address Sunday his party's national conference. The president of the organizing committee of the conference, Dimitris Avramopoulos, stressed that the party's goal is to regain the people's trust, sending a message of unity.

Outlining the agenda of the pre-conference workshops towards the party's congress scheduled for 25, 26 and 27 June, Dimitris Avramopoulos invited the party's supporters to embrace the first event and take part in the pre-conference workshop with essential interventions.

"The dialogue with the people on a modern and credible governance model will be constant. That day is not very far away," commented Mr Avramopoulos. He further added, "ND's goal is to put an end to misery. The key motto of the pre-conference workshops will be 'Ready to Go." News item: 33452

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