Disagreements regarding redundancy in the public sector

A new controversy between the president of the Democratic Left Fotis Kouvelis and Finance Minister Yiannis Stournaras dominated the government meeting yesterday on the occasion of the new measures of 11.5 billion euros to be taken by the Ministry of Finance. The issue was about redundancy, which as everything shows is being discussed by Stournaras to complete the package of measures, as he once again left the door open for it by saying: "We are looking at everything. We must find 11.5 billion. And we will find it."

 

A little earlier, addressing Stournaras, Kouvelis had expressed his annoyance: "It does not make sense to come here! Why do you go out and say things which we have not agreed upon?" Reportedly Stournaras did not respond.

 

The Democratic Left shows itself being prepared not to retreat on this issue and is on the side of Administrative Reform Minister Antonis Manitakis. The Minister considers that the measure of redundancy has failed and is not associated with any financial benefit. On the contrary, he reportedly seems annoyed since Stournaras didn't inform him that he would raise the issue. Manitakis’ colleagues say they are in full accord with the statement of the Democratic Left president, who had also proposed that he take part in the coalition government.

 

Coming out of the Maximos Mansion, Kouvelis was clear: "I am categorically opposed, as I was the first time the previous government had raised the issue of redundancy. Not only does it not create any economic benefit for the country, but also on the other hand it drives other citizens towards unemployment. Furthermore, let me reiterate that redundancy has proven to be a fiasco."

 

PASOK President Evangelos Venizelos moved along more a milder line: "We have a negative experience on the issue of redundancy. It was a forced situation which never was the wish of the Greek government, and I personally have pledged that there will be no layoffs in the public sector. What we said before the elections should be perfectly valid and our partnership is based and rooted in the common denominator of our pre-election commitments as well."