Greek government afraid of tired MPs

The Greek government is rushing to achieve a primary surplus in this year's state budget, at the same time it is troubled by employs the political fatigue that has emerged in the last parliamentary battles and the reluctance of MPs to vote the Troika prerequisites.

Greek prime minister Antonis Samaras says the leading goal for the government is to achieve a primary surplus "because then the country will gain flexibility, get rid of the need to ask for borrowed money every so often and will guide all its efforts towards development."

Finance minister Yannis Stournaras in an interview with Reuters, appeared optimistic about achieving a primary surplus in 2013 and a return to growth in 2014, citing data from the increased government revenues, but also the strong tourist season that is underway and may lead to lower recession.

Stournaras challenged the predictions on a budgetary gap for 2015-16 made in reports by international organizations, saying that even if a question of additional funding arises it will be covered by reforms in the public sector and not by reductions in wages, pensions and increase of taxation.

In view of the negotiations with the Troika, which is expected in Athens early September for the next assessment of the Greek program, the government does not hide its concern that the representatives of Greece’s partners and lenders might appear rigid once again.

Stournaras said "the great danger for Greece is political and not economical and is associated with the fatigue of MPs. They must believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and then they might continue to vote for the few necessary steps that are left. If they do not believe it, they will not vote."

Close associates of the Greek premier who are pointing out the risk that any new measures in the fall will meet strong opposition from members of both government parties and the country will be lead to early elections also share these views. Those who warn that they are not willing to vote for other measures are not few.