Stournaras: If we want the tranche, we must hurry

In light of tomorrow’s new meeting of political leaders, Finance minister Yannis Stournaras spoke at the committee for economic affairs of the parliament.

Replying to the MPs' criticism about the government tactics of introducing massive amendments to unrelated bills, Stournaras said that "if we want to receive the tranche before our cash deposits end, we must hurry." He added "we must vote on a series of prerequisites. We are doing everything we can as there are still issues left over from the old program."

A more comprehensive position by the Finance minister is expected after the conclusion of the commission which is discussing the bill that eliminates the minimum rate of the Greek State on public utilities.

PASOK and DIMAR, however, have clarified they will not vote for article 2 on the privatizations of SOEs unless some significant changes are made.

PASOK: Privatizations through parliament or we will not vote

Paris Koukoulopoulos asked for an addition stipulating that “before and after the end of each privatization the parliament should be informed, and why not approve the relevant procedure. This does not add time but shields the process. They should come to parliament one by one, both at the beginning and the end and both for the framework and the approval of the competition, as is the case with the armament programs of the Defence ministry."

DIMAR: No to the privatization of PPC, EYDAP and major ports

Asimina Xirotiri explained that privatizations must be "relevant to development and not to collection purposes. As for energy utilities, the State should retain control and ownership of the networks. The key requirements of the framework agreement are not applied in this bill. We have serious reservations about ratifying the article and if it continues to include public utilities, PPC, EYDAP and large ports, we will not vote for this article. PASOK’s proposal could be added as a safety net but it is not enough. We want specific strategic directions."