The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 10-08-25

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

CONTENTS

[01] Exam Results Released-Changes in University Admission System

National exams results indicate that candidates for tertiary education have showed preference for university schools that ensure employment. Higher admission grades were noted in Literature, mathematics and music schools and lower grades in the elementary education departments. Deep drop in admission grades was noted in Technical colleges due to the abolition of the grade 10 base. Education Minister Anna Diamantopoulou, in a press interview on Wednesday, announced significant changes in the admission system. Exam results have been posted at schools and the websites of the Education Ministry (minedu.gov.gr) and ERT. Candidates who do not have access to Internet can be informed of the results by the Citizens' Service Center dialing the four digit number 1500.

A total of 106.189 took part in the national exams while 84.368 were admitted, 79.5%. success rate.

Registration in all tertiary education schools will be held from 13-30 September.

Commenting on exam results, Education Minister Anna Diamantopoulou said admission grades for schools with high demand were close to excellent. She also said that results were released on the same date as last year despite some problems and delays due to teachers refusal to correct the tests.

Changes in Tertiary Education System

Mrs. Diamantopoulou said that some changes in Tertiary Education admission system will be announced in October and implemented in 2013-2014. Changes will mainly refer to reduction of number of people involved in exams procedures as over 30.000 people are occupied in several exam committees while the Education Ministry mechanism for two months in summer is dedicated to exam procedures.

On his part, Education undersecretary described this year's national exam procedures one of the best in the last years. He added that 90% of candidates were admitted to tertiary education and now it is up to institutions to provide them with the necessary skills.

In response to admission to tertiary education with very low grades, Mrs. Diamantopoulou underlined that conditions of free access to tertiary education are being formulated to keep students in Greek universities .

Source: ÍÅÔ - ÍÅÔ 105.8 - ÁNA/ÌPA News item: 39755

[02] F. Kouvelis Proposed Ombudsman G. Kaminis for Athens Mayor

Ombudsman George Kaminis announced his resignation on Wednesday leaving open possibility to run for Athens mayor in local elections, in November after proposal by Fotis Kouvelis Democratic Renewal president.

To Resign in September

Ombudsman George Kaminis will submit his resignation in September after Democratic Renewal president Fotis Kouvelis proposed him as a beyond party candidate for the post of Athens mayor. In March Mr. Kaminis completes two terms in the post of ombudsman.

In his statement Mr. Kaminis says that he has agreed to discuss the proposal as he feels having completed his task as ombudsman. He also said that the Athens municipality is going through a deep crisis and underlined the necessity for an alternative proposal beyond political party borders.

"Regardless of developments I decided to resign to lift all shadows from the independent authority I serve. I will submit my resignation in September and till then I will concentrate on resolving all pending administration issues for which there is no legal provision for my replacement.

Sources: ÍÅÔ, ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA-ÌPA News item: 39753

[03] Marathon Race to Raise Revenues

The Finance Ministry is to start a marathon race to increase revenues with the aim to raise â¬5 billion each month till the end of the year. Taking the stand in the Parliament, Finance Minister George Papakonstantinou repeated that there had never been raised and there would not be raised question about debt restructuring . He also stressed that there was not new memorandum. His speech, however, sparked strong reactions by opposition political parties. Competent authorities will center on due debts, settlement of pending taxation cases, taxes on property and large properties while SDOE (tax enforcement officials) will place emphasis on high incomes and renowned tax evasion.

"Light in the end of Tunnel"

First optimistic views on the path of Greece's economy was followed by Finance Ministry amendment increasing by 25 billion euros state guarantee for loans granted by banks.

The Finance Ministry referred to the recent positive assessment about Greek economy, adding though that problems remain.

On her part, Minister for Economics Louka Katselis said that the initial plan was the creation of a fund that would provide real economy with loans equivalent to state guarantee to the bank system. The fund has not been created yet due to the financial crisis but we are at the final stage to create it.

Sources: ÍÅÔ - ÍÅÔ 105.8 - ÁNA/ÌPA News item: 39762

[04] Introduction of Electronic Recipes- Pensioner Registry

Employment Minister A. Loverdos on Wednesday announced that electronic medical recipes for Free Lance Professionals' Fund will be introduced in October, aimed to save â¬1 billion euros. Electronic medical recipes will be extended to all social security funds in 2011. Furthermore, Employment undersecretary George Koutroumanis announced pensioner census to create a national registry which will eliminate the phenomenon of illegitimate pensions. A small scale inspection has revealed that hundreds of pension payments were made to people who had died 10 years ago.

"There is no plan for new measures in social security"

Free Lance Professionals Health Organization will introduce electronic medical recipes on October, 15 while the program will be extended to all health insurance funds in 2011 with the aim to save 1 billion euros.

Presenting the draft-bill providing for the above reforms, Employment Minister A. Loverdos ruled out new measures in the social security sector. He, however, said that unemployment rate would not go down predicting rise in unemployment after the end of the tourist period.

On his part, Employment Minister George Koutroumanis announced pensioner census to create the national registry.

From so on municipalities will notify Citizens' Service Centers (KEP) of a pensioner's death and the centers will notify the social security funds.

It should be mentioned that pensioners' list has 8.500 people over 100 years old, of them 500 are over 110 years old receive

Sources: ÍÅÔ, ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA-ÌPA News item: 39752

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