The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 09-03-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] Dispute over Economic Measures

Parliament Plenum debate on PASOK proposal for the combat of unemployment reached high pitch today after the announcement of economic measures yesterday. Opposition parties strongly criticized the government's income policy amidst the economic crisis speaking of communication aspect measures. Senior Ministers labeled them "social Justice measures". Trade unions described them as strict austerity measures and provocative attack against laborers' income.

Debate Reached High Pitch

Opposition political parties strongly criticized the government's economic policy. PASOK parliamentary spokesman E. Benizelos as contradictory , noting that at the same time the Parliament was passing regulation for the abolition of tax exemption for the self-employed. He maintained that measures would cover short-term needs and underlined the need for political courage to overcome the financial crisis. What causes fear is not the financial crisis itself but the extent of the government's misjudgment, proved by the announcement of half-measures yesterday said LAOS president G. Karatzaferis. He predicted that the country would plunge into deeper recession as these measures, which deprive pensioners and low income earners of their purchase ability, would dry up the machine. He also supported PASOK proposal saying that the government should not rejected en block just because it was proposed by PASOK. In response, Employment undersecretary Sophia Kalatzakou stressed that the government has a targeted plan to boost employment, reduce unemployment and relieve low- income groups with innovative regulations. Finance undersecretary Thanasis Bouras said: the government and the people are well aware of the global financial crisis. The government has exhausted its resources on social cohesion and is helping social groups that have felt the heaviest impacts from the crisis. Commenting, Interior Minister Prokopis Pablopoulos stressed that the government's measures indicate its responsibility for citizens that have the most need supporting their incomes with social justice measures.

Education Minister Aris Spiliotopoulos portrayed the economic measures as "extraordinary" as extraordinary is the financial crisis". He said: "there is an unprecedented financial crisis which worsens the standing problems of the Greek economy, there fore we should take some measures to shield our economy and protect our future".

News item: 20326

[02] G. Souflias: �Yes to Autonomous Environment Ministry�

Environment, Public Works and City Planning Minister George Souflias proposed the creation of autonomous Environment Ministry at the first half of 2010 whose compentences would cover protection of forests and energy. He also proposed abolition of Transport Ministry and the setting up of a new ministry incorporating Public Works and transport.

News item: 20324

[03] New Proclamation of Revolutionary Fight

Politics

The extremist group Revolutionary Fight sent a new proclamation in "Pontiki" newspaper. The proclamation answers to "Ta Nea" newspaper article, to former minister Savas Tsitouridis statements as well as to "Sechta Epanastaton" (Rebels' Sect). The announcment also speaks about every form of politicies of power that deliberately equals social offences with revolutionary activity.

SOURCE: ���-���

News item: 20308

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