Attempts towards a shaky consent

While PM Giorgos Papandreou prepares for meetings with political adversaries in order to reach a consensus about confronting the depression, differentiations are expressed inside the government towards the Troika guidelines.

The PM himself had to call on Ms Louka Katseli, Labour minister, to try and solve the matter brought about by her statements that there must not be a generalized divergence of business contracts, unless only under certain conditions, contrary to the Memorandum guidelines.

In an article in «Vima» newspaper the minister wrote that the divergence of business contracts from sector ones «must come under certain conditions, thus becoming lifesavers for numerous businesses in danger of being shut down». This statement annoyed certain circles at Megaro Maximou because it shows the Greek government
in serious disagreement with the Troika.

Although the subject of her removal was dismissed, relevant sources said that her public interference came at the wrong time, creating certain problems with the Troika still in the country.

Meanwhile, Mr Papandreou has begun contacting collaborators and ministers – and will continue today – in order to determine governmental priorities and prepare initiatives for a consensus. In the coming days he will address his political adversaries for one-to-one meetings, while Antonis Samaras is expected to relax his tough stance
against the Troika.