1.3.13
The government’s Reform Council will convene under the presidency of the PM Antonis Samaras, under obvious pressure from the troika, regarding Greece’s commitment to reduce the public sector. The Friday afternoon meeting has been set up in order to finalize changes to the structures of the Ministries of the Interior, Foreign Affairs, Tourism, Health, Shipping and the Government Secretariat (former General Secretariat of Press). Thus, twelve ministries will have had their services, regulated entities and staff reviewed and approved, with the organization of the other ministries to follow.
The IMF and EU technical teams have been hinting towards lay offs, whether in informal discussions, or statements by Eurozone and IMF officials, such as Euro Working Group head Thomas Wieser or the IMF’s deputy representative William Murray. Their comments are vague enough to allow them room to maneuver, while putting pressure on Greece for “necessary departures”.
The Minister of Administrative Reform Antonis Manitakis will try to sway the troika representatives, by presenting the proof that the government is complying with the memorandum commitment for a smaller public sector. Following the transfer procedure of the 1891 employees who have been suspended, the government is preparing for the next commitment to the troika, regarding the suspension of a further 25,000 civil servants in 2013.
The government will focus on the changes in ministerial structure, the cuts in staff and service, reinforcing disciplinary councils and dismissing civil servants guilty of perjury and poor performance. Despite the pressure, Mr. Manitakis insists that the government has committed to dismissing 150,000 civil servants by 2015. Should that be the case, Greece will have a smaller-than-EU-average public sector, or (proportionately) the fewest civil servants.
