The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 10-12-20

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Optimistic about Extension of Loan Repayment

Prime-minister G. Papandreou, addressing the Ministers' Council on Monday, appeared optimistic on the extension of loan repayment period . On their part Ministers presented their plans for the next period as the Prime-minister had requested. According to reports the Prime-minister said the investment bill would be the first major legislation while he placed particular emphasis on developments in Europe stressing that Greece would be present and would have a voice in developments.

Mr. Papandreou expressed certainty for extension of repayment of loan period but said that the decision would be reached in February. Reports say that the Prime-minister underlined that Greece should be at the forefront of Europe aimed to promote formulation of new treaty to replace the Lisbon Treaty , in order to create a permanent support mechanism after 2013.

Referring to the government's work, the Prime-minister cited the need for better coordination among ministers as there is a big legislation work ahead as well as better briefing of PASOK deputies.

Sources: ÍÅÔ - ÍÅÔ 105.8 - ÁNA/ ÌPA

News item: 52931

[02] Gradual Reduction of S/S Contributions

Alternate Employment Minister George Kouroumanis, speaking at the 2nd conference on Social Security organized by "Economist" magazine, announced gradual reductions in social security contributions starting from July, 2011 for employers who regularly pay social security contributions through banks. A 10% reduction will be in force as of July 2011 and will regard businesses consistent in their payment and enlisted in the Employment Ministry electronic inspection system. Reduction percentage will progressively increase and will be proportional to the number of businesses registered in the electronic inspection system to reach 25% till 2013. There will be also proportional distribution of reduction share to employers and employees.

Workers will be given a work-card on the basis of AMKA number, which will be used as a punch in and punch out card in the job premises allowing for inspection of work timetable and any work changes. The electronic cross-checking system will be linked with IKA, OAED and the Labour Inspection Body. At first stage, it will start as an optional selection in big businesses but it will be gradually obligatory for all businesses.

It is believed that the electronic system will help inspection of unregistered work which deprives Funds of some 10 billion euros.

The above regulation is included in draft-bill on "upgrading of Labour Inspection Body and reduction of unregistered labour". Employment Minister, Louka Katselis will present it to the Ministers' Council in the next days while its voting will be held in mid January.

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA

News item: 52927

[03] Debate on 2011 Budget

Debate on 2011 budget continues at the Parliament Plenum with speeches by ministers and deputies of all political parties. The Prime-minister and political party leaders will deliver their speeches on Wednesday while a roll call vote will be held at midnight. Taking the stand, Agriculture Development Minister Kostas Skandalidis called on deputies to consent that "yesterday was definitely over and the country's jumpstart should be combined with refoundation of Democracy, in order to move ahead towards a better future". He underlined the need for major reform that needs the Parliament's consent, which nowadays is reviled . He also added that the 300 deputies have a historical obligation to respond to the need for revival of Hellenism and restoration of prosperity of Greek people.

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8- ÁNA-ÌPA

News item: 52925

[04] Payment of Road Taxes Expires on 31/12/2010

Deadline for payment of road taxes expires on Friday, December, 31, 2010. A Finance Ministry announcement says that Information Systems General Secretariat sent all remaining notification letters last Thursday, adding that the last package of notifications included registration numbers ending in 9 and 0. A total of 6.877.296 notifications have been sent from November, 2 to December, 16.

Source: Finance Ministry

News item: 52835

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