They’re showing their hand regarding the PPC, with some IMF and Lazopoulos on the side…

The PM is expected to comment on the governmental decision to retain state control of the PPC and its transmission networks, at the same time decreasing the state’s control percentage to 34%, instead of today’s 51%.

Giorgos Papandreou is answering LA.OS. president Giorgos Karatzaferis’ question regarding the government’s choices for the state-owned corporation. The intention to sell 17% is included in the mid-term plan for the economy presented by Finance minister Giorgos Papakonstantinou, and is expected to be implemented in 2012.

The PM will give assurances for the protection of employment and the insurance rights of about 22.000 PPC employees, but it is quite possible that the discussion might take a different route…

And that’s because of the controversy that has arisen in the political arena from the video aired on Tuesday in Lakis Lazopoulos' “Al Tsantiri News”. In it, the IMF head, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, is stating that the appeal to the Troika had been prepared “under the table” for months via contacts between IMF agents and the government.

Strauss-Kahn's statements have caused a serious reaction from all opposition parties, and an official prime ministerial position will be quite interesting, after PASOK’s fierce reply both to the popular artist and to New Democracy for their strong criticism on this controversial issue.