Problem with the equivalent measures

 

The Finance minister said there was agreement on the general guidance about measures for the 11.5 billion. According to reports, the heads of the economic team discussed specific measures that have not yet been completed.

 

However, there is confusion about whether there will be new horizontal cuts. Stournaras hinted that there might be. Asked by a journalist, he replied "I cannot tell you anything yet," which caused the implicit condemnation of government representative Simos Kedikoglou who, when asked about Stournara’s statement, replied "I do not know anything so please ask Stournaras, my statement was as clear as the statements of the two political leaders." Venizelos had earlier stated that "there will be no new horizontal measures from 2013 onwards."

 

The political leaders agreed not to take additional measures and to save special payrolls by finding equivalent measures. They also agreed about the real estate fee being paid through the PPC but in several installments, and providing aid to the financially weakest after the equation of diesel oil with heating oil. They agreed that measures should be taken to stimulate growth and liquidity in the market.

 

But the issue of renegotiation is still fuzzy. Venizelos clarified that the review of the stability program to be held in collaboration with the partners is provided for in the original agreement. He said the three leaders agreed on an updated mid-term plan to close the 2012 budget and establish the next. He added that the three leaders will have contacts with partners and stakeholders in the European Union, as well as establish a national negotiating team.

 

In fact, he indicates that he will not seek meetings with his counterparts in Germany and France in the summer. In addition, instead of the initial negotiation he suggests renegotiating only if our country has made its moves first to get the budget program back on track as everyone agrees it has been derailed. Samaras’ colleagues attribute Venizelos’ stance to the internal party situation in PASOK and to SYRIZA, which is always a threat.

 

However, in a move that has political significance Maximos Mansion refrained from making statements or allowing leaks about the meeting and left the two other political leaders to talk about the drafted decisions.