Confrontation between government and SYRIZA about the new measures

The discussion on the multi-bill at the parliamentary Economic Affairs Committee began with a harsh conflict between the government and SYRIZA, with Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras connecting the voting in favor of it to "avoiding disorderly default" and Panagiotis Lafazanis talking about a "parliamentary coup d'état" and a bill resembling a "slaughterhouse."

The Minister asked the committee members to approve the urgency procedure saying "the bill contains provisions that are a prerequisite for the disbursement of the tranche. The immediate disbursement is necessary to avoid disorderly default. This does not mean bypassing parliamentary procedures."

SYRIZA parliamentary spokesman Panagiotis Lafazanis said "you must have great audacity to make this despicable statement reminiscent of other dark times which we thought were long gone. You are ripping apart our Constitution. Which MP can read 800 pages in a few hours? You have been negotiating this tough bill for 4 months. Who are you kidding? You want to change the insurance and labour landscape of the country in a few hours. We will not allow this. You have no legitimacy to do it. Read the report of the Court which cancels the pension provisions as unconstitutional. No one has ever attempted to do what you are doing in times of democracy."

The minister's proposal for an urgent procedure was welcomed by the 3 parties that support the government. Makis Voridis (ND) said "it is very long bill and the fact that it is proposed to be introduced under this specific process creates a lot of pressure. We would hope for a different process. We understand, however, that the bill is the product of long and difficult negotiations." Michalis Chrysochoidis (PASOK) said "we must show that we are a coordinated parliament moving along the institutional framework." Nikos Tsoukalas (DIMAR) said, "DIMAR would have liked a different procedure. As a party we have already expressed our position and everyone knows our objections to the labour measures. Parties should watch their characterizations when thousands of people will be protesting outside."

Notis Marias (Independent Greeks) said, "it's 753 pages and I hope everybody has read it so that you do not find yourselves later on like others who said they did not read it but they voted for it… This means altering the constitution. The government must withdraw this bill."

Elias Panagiotaros (Golden Dawn) said "it is a shame to select these processes at a time that requires changes. There are despicable provisions and others that could be voted upon, but as one article it does not have this option."

Thanassis Pafilis (KKE) said, "you are the undertaker of what rights have remained. It is a provocation to blackmail people to choose between the multi-bill or default. Who are you terrorizing, the 2.5 million unemployed?"

Lastly, several members asked to take the podium on the procedure but were not allowed to do so, creating tension between Zoe Konstandopoulou (SYRIZA) and several ND members, with Odysseas Voudouris (DIMAR) leaving the meeting.