PASOK MPs heavily "depressed"

PASOK MPs expressed their discontent and frustration to ministers Evangelos Venizelos, Dimitris Reppas and Giorgos Koutroumanis during the meeting of the Parliamentary Sector of the Economy and Employment of the ruling party.

The Deputy PM reportedly stated that “there is no other way”, and briefed MPs in dramatic tones on the new government measures, pointing out that Europe does not believe us.

Mr. Venizelos used the financial performance of employment reserves as an example, stating that the financial benefit on the budget will be 200 million euros, but added that Europeans are urgently demanding the restructuring of the public sector.

Also, regarding the amount of tax exemption, Mr. Venizelos stated that the average tax exemption ceiling in Europe is 5000 euros and since we have a problem, we cannot maintain it at a higher level.

The minister patiently listened to the statements of the other ministers while they described the fiscal situation and the pressures that the Greek government has been put under by the Troika representatives.

Typically, Mr. Tzelepis noted that the government must give explanations to MPs on why they failed to present a specific plan.

Former Deputy Finance Minister Mr. Kouselas noted that crisis management cannot be carried out on social criteria. Among those who spoke, was Milena Apostolakis, who stated that the credibility of the ruling party is being questioned both abroad and at home, due to “our own failures and delays”.

Taking the floor, Ms. Tonia Antoniou stated that “we are in a car doing 200 km/h and heading straight for a wall”.

Mrs. Tsouri stated that the government seems like a discordant orchestra on the Titanic.

Mr. Dimitris Karidis, Piraeus MP, requested the change of the rates of the new property taxes upwards for “rich areas” and “downwards” for less wealthy areas. He also added that the government is working slowly and without making much-needed structural changes, acting like a chariot with scythes, spreading panic and insecurity. He ended up stating that “we might say a lot of things, but in areas such as combating illegal trading, where we could earn a lot of money, we are doing nothing”.

All members are acknowledging the heavy atmosphere within the Parliamentary group, but no one - so far- has said anything about voting against the upcoming bill.