By a vote of 168-123 on April 28 just before midnight, the Greek Parliament – as expected – easily approved another set of reforms demanded by international lenders in return for continuing bailouts, including the firing of 15,000 public workers the next two years.
The measures were sure to pass because the coalition government headed by Prime Minister Antonis Samaras has a large majority of the vote.
Despite that, there was tense talk as protesters, including teachers and other civil servants, lined up in Syntagma Square across from the Parliament to demonstrate against the plans in what is being called a “multi-bill” because it has so many facets.
Samaras said the Parliament had to approve the package so that the Troika of the European Union-International Monetary Fund-European Central Bank (EU-IMF-ECB) will release a pending 2.8 billion euros ($3.5 billion) loan installment and another due next month for 8 billion euros ($10.41 billion).
The fired state workers, many who are disciplinary problems, don’t show up to work, faked their credentials or committed felonies – including murder – will be replaced by younger employees in key sectors such as health.
To reach a goal of cutting the workforce by 150,000 by the end of 2015 the government will replace only a percentage of those who retire the next three years.
Samaras, the New Democracy Conservative leader, is also having to deal with trying to keep his coalition government from fraying, with some dissension from partners the PASOK Socialists and tiny Democratic Left (DIMAR) and spats between some of his ministers over the reforms.
Although government officials have played down the prospect of an imminent reshuffle, the newspaper Kathimerini said he could shake up his Cabinet right after the May 5 Easter holiday, making a few key changes although keeping his loyalists.
While not allowing their members to serve in the administration, PASOK leader Evangelos Venizelos and DIMAR chief Fotis Kouvelis were able to name some ministers, but those positions seem in jeopardy now.
It remained unclear what would become of Administrative Reform Minister Antonis Manitakis and Justice Minister Antonis Roupakiotis, who clashed over an amendment that would have prevented public sector contract workers from receiving their salaries while appealing decisions to terminate their employment, a process that could take years. That would allow them to keep being paid although fired and without a position.
Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras will also have to get started on overhauling a cumbersome tax collection system ahead of the Troika’s anticipated return to Athens in June.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
