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Only 153 deputies supported the financial stability measures

08 November 2012 / 10:11:30  GRReporter
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Greece is deeply divided about its future. This was shown by the midnight vote on the new package of financial stability measures, which is a prerequisite not only for the payment of the bailout of 31 billion euro, but for the survival of the Greek economy as well. After wild debates inside parliament and а demonstration of thousands of people against the measures outside it, only 153 deputies of the 300-seat Greek parliament had the courage to support the painful measures that are also life-saving for the Greek society. 128 deputies voted against and 18 abstained.

    The vote, which was on the verge of collapse, was announced by Prime Minister Antonis Samaras as a "major step towards economic recovery." Upon leaving the parliament, he recalled that the package of measures is the "condition for the Greeks to see better days." Moreover, the approval of the package of reforms is the condition for the payment of the next bailout of 31 billion euro to Greece, which has been delayed since the summer, and the Greek treasury is already counting the pennies at its bottom.

    The next important step is the adoption of the budget that will be voted on by parliament on Sunday. "From Monday onwards, my goal is to give the people the right to evolve and smile through work, activities consistent with investors, privatization and actions that will change the psychological climate inside the country and will send abroad the message that Greece is turning the page," Antonis Samaras stated.

    Finance Minister Yiannis Stournaras was far more realistic and candidly admitted: "The hardship is only just beginning." Greece has already voted on financial stabilization measures twice. They, however, have always been applied halfway and selectively, and the failure to apply them essentially has led to the deep economic recession. The adoption of the measures gathered thousands of protesters in Syntagma Square. However, many more will rise against their implementation.

    At the same time, Greece's lenders are very concerned about the disunity in the country. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the head of the International Institute of Finance Charles Dallara, who represents the country's private lenders, will visit Athens.

    Its state lenders are feverishly preparing for the meeting of eurozone finance ministers on 12 November, when the decision on the payment of the already notorious bailout will have to be taken. Many analysts, however, believe that this decision may not be taken on 12 November, with all the ensuing consequences for Greece.

Tags: Greek parliamentFinancial stability measuresYiannis StournarasAntonis Samaras2013 budget
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