The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 10-08-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] Local Administration Elections in November

In view of local administration elections in November political parties, particularly the two large parties have placed emphasis on the candidates for Attica and Peloponnese prefectures. Environment Minister Tina Birbili today belied rumours about running as candidate for the Attica prefecture. She said: "There is no such issue, my goals are different".

ND leader A. Samaras announced the candidacy of Athens deputy mayor Basilis Kikilias for the post of Attica prefect. He justified his decision on the mandate he has received for renewal on the grounds of worthiness.

On his part, Mr. Kilikias thanked the ND leader for the great opportunity given to him and the people of his generation and underlined that he would continue working to deal and resolve people problems as he has always done in his capacities of athlete and doctor.

In the meantime, Mrs. Bakoyianni decision not to back ND party candidate but support another candidate most probably ND deputy Hristos Markoyiannakis has sparked unrest in the center right wing.

Another ND party deputy G. Kontoyiannis, who supported former Foreign Minister D. Bakoyianni in the elections for ND party leader, said he was waiting for a response on whether he would run for the Peloponnese prefecture.

SYRIZA Meetings

SYRIZA is holding new meetings after refusal of Dionisios Tsaknis for the post of Athens mayor. The party has not reached a decision for the Attica prefecture as A. Mitropoulos candidacy is not certain as he said he was willing to participate in a broader formation but not in one party ballot.

In the newly founded Democratic Renewal party, its leader Fotis Kouvelis, who in his selction of candidates places emphasis on local administration abilities and not political party identity, said all is open.

In an interview with state radio NET, independent deputy G. Psarianos said local administration elections should not turn into a referendum against the "Memorandum".

Source: ΝΕΤ 105.8 News item: 39578

[02] Rise in West Nile Virus Cases till the End of August

Scientists predict rise in West Nile virus cases as continuing high temperatures favour mosquito activity. Thirteen new cases have been recorded rising the number to 77 of people infected with the West Nile virus. Five people have died.

Three old age people with a bad health record are the new victims. One patient died on Tuesday and lab tests identified the virus while the other two died on Wednesday. Health authorities within efforts to control infections have decided to suspend blood donation in central Macedonia and Larissa, where the majority of encephalitis cases caused by the West Nile virus were recorded.

Source: ΝΕΤ

Σχετική είδηση: Εγκεφαλίτιδα: Έλεγχοι στο αίμα

News item: 39576

[03] ACCI Survey Shows 9/10 Businesses Short in Liquidity

Disappointing are the results of a survey conducted by the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry Research Center (KEME) on the liquidity capacity of its members (businesses). The result of the survey posted on the ACCI website shows that the majority of the 523 businesses participating face liquidity shortage.

Specifically:

86% face liquidity shortage problems.

89% problems with access to bank financing.

82% difficulties or delays in inclusion in special business programs.

93% drop in sales due to the financial crisis.

91% problems in paying and collecting debts.

Comparative Prices

According to data released by the General Secretariat for Commerce, multinational companies' products are sold at a higher price in Greece. A sample of 70 products shows:

-31% higher price of soft drinks ,

-65% higher price of yogurts and 88% higher price of toothpaste compared to France

-95% higher price of flour and

-21% higher price of fresh milk compared to Germany

-13% higher price of cereals and

-69% higher price of natural orange juice (1 lt.) compared to Slovenia,

-28% higher price of boneless chicken (1 kg.) and

-83% higher powder baby milk compared to Spain.

Several products are sold at almost double price in Greece, such as detergents are sold at 96% higher price compared to Spain and 88% compared to France. Hand lotion is also 68% higher compared to the price paid in Germany.

On the other hand fruit and vegetables are much cheaper in Greece despite the big rises in the last years.

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ACCI News item: 39579

[04] Prime-Minister Meets FinMin & Bank of Greece Governor

Talks of PM G. Papandreou in his meeting with Finance Minister G. Papantoniou and the governor of the Bank of Greece G. Provopoulos centered on the state budget, deviation in revenues and developments in the banking sector. Earlier the Prime-minister met with Minister for Environment Tina Birbilis.

Meeting with Environment Minister

Mr. Papandreou, in his meeting with Environment Minister Tina Birbilis, discussed issues of her competence in view of Thessaloniki International fair.

After the meeting, Mrs. Birbilis said talks centered on the forest map while issues related to liberation of the energy field will have been concluded till the end of December.

Mrs. Birbilis belied rumours about her candidacy in local administration elections in November.

"Met First targets"

In his meeting with the governor of the Bank of Greece, the Prime-minister talks focused on the new developments in Greek economy, the execution of the state budget while special emphasis was placed in deviation from expected revenues.

Mr. Probopoulos described as encouraging the fact that fiscal data have been placed under control despite the difficulties that still remain. Initiatives on structural reforms have been taken and conditions of a virtuous circle formulated which are expected to bear fruit from now on.

On his part Mr. Papandreou appeared satisfied as the first targets have been achieved. He added that there was more to be done and underlined the government's determination to bring the feeling of security, certainty and social justice to citizens and the prospect of growth to the country.

"EU Gives Gren Light"

The European Committee announced today that Greece meets the terms for the second installment of the rescue package. The Eurogroup will take the official decision on September, 7.

"In the first half in 2010, Greece achieved to purge its state finances at an impressive level and made rapid progress in big structural reforms" said EU Commissioner for Monetary Affairs Olli Rehn. He, however, added "challenges and dangers remain despite the significant progress. The main challenge is to ensure sufficient liquidity and credit stability in the banking sector in parallel with acceleration of structural reforms plan".

Petalotis Interview with State Radio ΝΕΤ 105,8

In an interview with state radio NET 105.8, government spokesman G. Petalotis underlined that the government's priority is effectiveness. He underlined that the necessary big reforms which would proceed at more rapid pace in 2012 would boost growth, reduce unemployment rate and increase entrepreneurship.

Source: ΝΕΤ 105,8, ΝΕΤ, ΑNA News item: 39570

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