Samaras’ meeting with the troika was cancelled

The entanglement in the negotiations with Troika has postponed today’s scheduled meeting with the prime minister and the heads for Wednesday to be followed by a meeting of Samaras with the ministers at Maximos Mansion.

 

Maximos Mansion and Finance Minister Yiannis Stournaras tried to degrade this issue and stated that there is no entanglement, but the troika technical teams continue their work on technical matters.


But it is evident that there is a significant difference in revenue shortfalls and state tax collection that reflects on the collection of the property fee through PPC. Troika does not trust the promises from the Greek government that the budgeted amounts will be recovered if the hike is replaced by a single property tax, not even after the implementation of the new tax, while the tax collection mechanism is in the state it was after the elections.

Second point of disagreement regards the layoffs of public employees asked by Troika, which brings the reaction of Minister Antonis Manitakis, who is promoting the transfer plan.

A third point of disagreement is the regulation of citizens’ debts towards the Greek State. The Greek government wants more doses, an eventuality not accepted by troika. It seems the two sides are closer to an agreement on the installments towards the insurance funds. Finally, the issue of reducing VAT in catering is still open.

Although the Greek government sought an easing of the austerity measures, troika insists on strict adherence to the agreed issues. This situation creates friction within the government and between the three government partners.

Ministers and MPs from across the spectrum of the opposition do not hide their concern about how far can the government go without any easing of the harsh program, as society is on the verge of explosion. The climate affects the behavior of both parties in the coalition, especially DIMAR.
 
This development, however, has the additional negative point that the expectations that had grown due to the "error in the fiscal multiplier" are not confirmed, while the prime minister arrived literally on the verge of trying to save a deal with Troika so as to not proceed this Thursday at the Summit with an open disagreement that may affect the disbursement of the pending installment.