The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-04-01

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Referendum Debated

By Nasos Bratsos

Sources: ���, �NA

The Parliament commenced debating Tuesday afternoon two separate calls for a referendum filed by PASOK (Panhellenic Socialist Movement) and SYRIZA (Coalition of the Radical Left), following the voting of the pension bill late on Monday. The debate will conclude at 23:00 on Wednesday when it will be followed by a roll-call vote. In his address Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos accused PASOK that it does not materialize what it promises, as it had proposed a referendum on other issues except for the Social Security issue.

PASOK speaker Andreas Loverdos accused the government of being scared to allow a referendum on a bill that binds the employees future, when the prime minister had approved a referendum on identity cards. He also added that 70% - 80% of the people are opposed to the Social Security bill, demanding its withdrawal. In parallel, he reported that the government is afraid that if the issue is decided at a referendum, then the people will reject the bill.

Mr Loverdos reiterated his idea for a referendum, accusing the government of avoiding difficult issues such as tax evasion and extravagance in the Health sector. Moreover, he accused the government of writing off Bank debts amounting to 9 billion and merging Social Security Funds, which will prove a costly venture. PASOK MP Evangelos Venizelos described the Social Security bill anti-social and blind, while Mr George Papandredou described the referendum a tool for boosting democracy.

In a LAOS (Popular Orthodox Rally) announcement MP Kyriakos Velopoulos stresses that although his not opposed to referendums, he describes any talk on the present debate useless as no referendum will take place.

KKE MP Achilleas Kadartzis, SYRIZA MP Fotis Kouvelis and LAOS MP Adonis Georgiadis stated they are favouring a referendum.

Trade Unions to Hold Rally

The GSEE Presidium will present the President of the Parliament a list with the signatures of civilians who are in favour of a referendum on the Social Security Bill. At 19:00, Wednesday, the Trade Unions will hold a rally before the Parliament. Moreover, Bank of Greece employees will hold a 24-hour strike on the same day.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[02] Preliminary Examination on S. Bagias

Sources: ���, �NA

A preliminary examination has been ordered on the chairman of the Union of Public Prosecutors, Sotiris Bagias, following his interview with a newspaper, in which he refers to the functioning of Greek Justice. The Athens Bar Association report that Justice cannot be protected with disciplinary indictments but with its daily and effective operation. Mr Bagias from his side stated that as per article 91 par.9 of the court organisation judicial officials are entitled to state their opinion in public and proceed with criticism, especially when this is taking place within the framework of the syndicates. Concluding, he says that he will continue stating his opinion and defending the of judicial officials just requests.

Translated by John Crystallidis

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