Athens News Agency: News in English, 08-11-22

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] PM Karamanlis visits the city of Volos

[02] Rough seas keep ships in ports

[03] Athens Newspaper Headlines

[01] PM Karamanlis visits the city of Volos

His itinerary included visits to the Chamber of Volos, the Goritsa tunnel on the under construction Volos Ring Road and a tour at the Dairy Industry Cooperative (EBOL) at the city's Industrial Zone.

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis emphasised on Friday, speaking in Parliament in response to a tabled question by the head of the Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) Parliamentary group on the effects of the global economic crisis on the younger generations.that this juncture calls for a measure of responsibility without populist practices.

"The present juncture does not allow for populism or measures that could prove disastrous," he stressed.

The most pressing social problem stemming from the unprecedented global crisis is skyrocketing unemployment, he said, adding that support of the real economy is a priority.

Referring to the latest legislative initiative undertaken by the government, he said that it constitutes a fundamental and necessary precondition to ensure the financing of the small and medium sized businesses, support economic activity and protect employment. "This is a substantive response to young couples wishing to get their own house and need a loan and the most drastic response aimed at preventing economic activity slowdown that would subsequently have a negative effect on the employment rate.

On his part, SYRIZA Parliamentary group leader Alekos Alavanos referred to the draft state budget, pointing out that the banks are set to receive the sum of 28 billion euros to boost and guarantee liquidity, while for the employment ministry and the ministry of education 11.3 billion and 7.2 billion euros, respectively, have been earmarked.

Karamanlis stated, in response that the references made by Alavanos, that his intention was to engage in demagogy.

Referring to what he called "systematic efforts" made by the government to boost employment-related prospects for the younger generations, Karamanlis reminded that policies proposed for a qualitative upgrading of education and reforms were met with strong opposition, while a policy currently promoted to support the real economy, protect employment and reduce interest rates is also met with disinformation and wanton populism.

"Wishful thinking will not solve problems," Karamanlis stated.

He also referred to a reduction of the unemployment rate from 11.2 percent in March 2004 to 7.1 percent last August, while as regards the younger generations, he stressed that unemployment has dropped from 30.2 percent to 19.2 percent.

Caption: ANA-MPA file photo of Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis .

[02] Rough seas keep ships in ports

In one instance, the ferry boat "Preveli", with 127 passengers on board, still had not docked at the islands of the Paros, Naxos, Ios and Santorini on Saturday due to weather conditions. The vessel anchored off Santorini and will remain there until the rough seas abate.

[03] Athens Newspaper Headlines

Figures of the draft state budget in relation to the global financial crisis and developments in still simmering Vatopedi monastery case dominated the headlines on Saturday in Athens' newspapers.

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "Draft state budget was tabled on Friday in Parliament - It includes four reservations to protect citizens from the global financial crisis

APOGEVMATINI: "175,000 candidates enlisted for in public hirings organisation's competition�

AVGHI: "Draft state budget a recipe for recession".

AVRIANI: "Prosecutor in Vatopedi monastery case charges the blackmailers"

CHORA: "2009 a 'Katrina' hurricane- State budget: Small benefit and new taxes".

ELEFTHEROS: "Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis launches rockets against his ministers - He finally woke up and sees their personal games".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "The head of the Organisation of Public Estates pointed to two former ND ministers involved in Vatopedi monastery land exchange scandal".

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "Government 'smashes' financial crisis by adding seven billion euros in taxes".

ESTIA: "What the 2009 draft state budget foresees".

ETHNOS: "Extra taxes and crumbs instead of benefits".

KATHIMERINI: "State budget hostage of GDP".

LOGOS: "State budget in concurrence with international crisis".

NIKI: "Government gives crumbs instead of raises - State budget one of poverty, taxes and austerity".

RIZOSPASTIS: "People must react in demand of needs".

TA NEA: �Seven billion euros in new taxes freeze economy".

TO VIMA: "The state budget amid crisis tabled on Friday in parliament".

VRADYNI: "State budget a shield against crisis".

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