The government of Alexis Tsipras has to fight on two fronts on the security funds issue: surging social reactions within Greece and the international creditors who insist on more pension cuts and restructuring of security funds.
The Panhellenic Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) and the Federation of Public Sector Employees (ADEDY) have called a general strike for February 4. At the same time, Greek farmers and stockbreeders prepare demonstration rallies and closing national thoroughfares. Also, professionals such as lawyers, doctors and engineers are ready to go on strike and organize protest rallies in Athens.
At the same time there is another front in Europe where Greece’s creditors insist on income criteria for granting the national pension the Greek government is proposing. Also they reject the proposal of raising security fund contributions instead of slashing pensions.
According to sources within the European Commission, the cost of the proposed measures needs to be re-evaluated and Athens has to present more viable figures.
The Greek government was hoping that the evaluation of the Greek bailout program progress will be completed soon so discussions on state debt easing commence. However, an EC official said that the completion of the Greek program review might take until June.
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is to meet with European leaders and the International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum at Davos, January 21. Tsipras is hoping to drum up support on the easing of the Greek debt.
The Greek prime minister will also meet with the head of the European Central Bank Mario Draghi, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and German Vice-Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel.
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!
