18.2.13
The political leaders of the tripartite government will meet on Monday afternoon in order to discuss the high unemployment rates that plague all sectors of society, especially the youth.
In essence, the meeting will be about the real economy and the protection that can be afforded to vulnerable groups, the disabled and the long-term unemployed. The political leaders will discuss measures that will provide some relief.
Despite a climate of cooperation and communication amongst the PM Antonis Samaras, PASOK president Evangelos Venizelos and DIMAR leader Fotis Kouvelis, the situation at the government is unstable. Last week the lack of coordination brought the government in a difficult position. There are serious shortfalls in social policy, which the leaders will seek to rectify before the French President Francois Hollande’s visit to Athens.
The three agree that unemployment is a serious problem, which can be dealt with community funds. At the last Summit in Brussels it was decided that a special fund be set up for the unemployed youth, with a 6 billion euro budget of which Greece will collect a significant amount.
The Prime Minister will underline the urgency of pushing forward reforms, such as privatizations and the mobility of civil servants, in order to gain trust. Mr. Samaras characteristically states that “everything is dependant on our consistency and work”.
The three leaders will also discuss improving communication amongst the parties, as PASOK and DIMAR complain that New Democracy often gives the impression it rules on its own.
