The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 09-02-17

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] G. Papandreou Calls for Snap Elections Again

Socialist leader George Papandreou reiterated Tuesday his call for snap elections after his meeting with President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias. Papandreou spoke of a deep impasse in politics, economy and social values, and therefore, as he said, a change in course and a new administration were an imperative.

"The need for a new administration is an imperative," commented Papandreou, speaking of a deep political, social and financial impasse. He also said that the people were frustrated by corruption and the spending of public wealth.

The Socialist leader briefed Karolos Papoulias on his proposals on the restructure of the Greek economy, green development and the vision of a well-governed state.

The meeting between the two men took place in a really good climate, as Papoulias warmly welcomed Papandreou.

The President of the Republic termed everything said by Papandreou as really interesting and expressed his certainty that a constructive dialogue would take place amidst a tough period.

Papandreou thanked Papoulias for welcoming him, since the Greek people are living through a touch situation.

News item: 19043

[02] Employment Minister Opposes Ostensible Dismissals

News

Employment Minister Fani Palli-Petralia expressed her opposition to businessmen who use the crisis as a pretext to proceed to downsizing and violating of labour relations. The Minister branded calls for temporary employment as detrimental and urged the labour inspectors to defend their role and protect working rights.

In the meantime, Konstantinos Mihalos, head of the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EBEA), reiterated his proposals for 3 to 4-day employment for enterprises in trouble, saying, "The only realistic proposal that has been made so far is that of EBEA's, since 450 people are made redundant on a daily basis."

Government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros answered to PASOK's (Panhellenic Socialist Movement) claims, speaking of a conscious effort to mislead the people. Antonaros stressed that the main opposition party said nothing about a change favouring expectant mothers pushed forward by the Karamanlis administration, since they had had their benefit suspended until 2004, and attacked PASOK, underlining:

"This is PASOK's âsocial' face. Hypocritical and uncaring. They even employed irregularities to address the unemployment problem."

Touching on social employment, the government spokesman called on PASOK to answer whether such employment would be paid or voluntary, whether it would full or part time and how many people would be included.

"Politics cannot be exercised with generalizations and meaningless expressions," added Antonaros, further urging the main opposition party to elaborate further.

PASOK deputy and section head for employment affairs, Ms Christophilopoulos said he understood the government's panic and need to disorient the citizens, through slandering, further adding that the figures presented by PASOK were valid.

Source: NET, NET 105.8, ANA/MPA

News item: 19057

[03] ATHEX Goes Down by 5.19%

News

The Athens Stock Exchange suffered huge losses during Tuesday's sitting amidst a negative climate in the international markets. The General Index closed at 1,603.80 points, dropping by 5.19 percent.

The value of the transactions stood at â¬164.8mn, with â¬4.1mn relating to pre-arranged transactions.

The total of indices dwindled, with those of Food-Beverage, Telecommunications, Banking, Chemicals, Basic Resources and Financial Services suffering the heaviest losses.

FTSE/20 dropped by 5.42 percent, FTSE/40 fell by 3.91 percent and FTSE/80 went down by 2.91 percent.

Source: ANA

News item: 19055

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article