Bold decision by Samaras: ERT shuts down

With a bold decision of high risk the Greek government proceeds in shutting down the Public Broadcasting station.

The decision is part of the commitment to troika to reduce civil servants until the end of June. ERT was chosen in a symbolic gesture of determination by Samaras for "structural changes" whatever the political cost.

The decision was taken only by the Prime Minister without the consent of his two political partners, Evangelos Venizelos and Fotis Kouvelis, who wanted to distinguish their stance.

The legislative act was not signed by four ministers: Livieratos, Tsaftaris, Manitakis and Roupakiotis, who are affiliated to PASOK and the Democratic Left.

Even among the ministers who signed for New Democracy there was backstage whining. In the announcement, government spokesman Simos Kedikoglou argued "the Greek Broadcasting station is a typical case of unique obscurity and incredible wastage."

To justify the decision and win the public opinion the government promises to reduce the hike that Greek citizens pay for ERT. It is clear however, that the decision has a major symbolism for which Kedikoglou said "major changes are not made without large cuts."

The Greek government held that ERT is discredited and that if it bypasses the Greek parliament the reactions will be limited while it may have political benefit as it touches the emotional appeal of the indignant citizens. Moreover, it sends a message that other services and public bodies will follow and that the reaction of employees is futile.

Of course it will send a few thousand workers to unemployment and thus will further deregulate the private Mass Media sector. But as on of Samaras’ consultants said "this is not necessarily bad."

So tonight, after the end of the program the signal will be cut off. According to Kedikoglou it will restart as soon as possible, following the standards of foreign public television. All workers are to be laid off and compensated while until ERT reopens, people will not pay the special fee.