Amidst the recent dramatic developments in terrorism, financial scandals the subsequent conflicts with opposition leaders SYRIZA, the coalition government parties will now have to agree on a number of controversial structural reforms that will undoubtedly cause further tension.
The Prime Minister Antonis Samaras has prioritized the arrest of Christodoulos Xiros, as he feels that the resurgence of domestic terrorism has made things worse for Greece. Additionally, the Prime Minister wants to expedite a number of structural reforms in order to avoid having to take further austerity measures, under pressure from creditors who are not convinced of Greece’s resolve.
The US State Department has expressed its serious concerns and disappointment over Xiros’ escape and has urged the Greek government to step up its efforts. The American President Barrack Obama will attend the EU-USA synod that will take place on the 26th of March in Brussels, where he will have the opportunity to discuss these concerns with PM Samaras.
The comments of Eurogroup chief Jeroen Dijsselbloem regarding the delayed (and uncertain) return of the troika to Athens for further negotiations are indicative of creditor concerns. To that end the PM has urged his cabinet to carry out all outstanding matters before the Eurogroup meeting of the 17th of February.
Despite the intention of complying with the request, a number of ministers have already begun expressing their reservations over government plans. Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis is concerned about the sale of non-prescription medication, while the Minister of Growth Tsaftaris and his deputy Harakopoulos are not convinced about plans to extend the shelf-life of fresh milk. PASOK ministers have also reacted against the regulation that would allow the sale of non-prescription medication at super markets.
Furthermore the recent ruling of State Council in favor of uniformed officers has caused some panic amongst coalition government officers, as the budget will be further burned with 1 billion euros. Aside from having to rectify the unconstitutional retroactive wage cuts the government implemented in August 2012, there are concerns that the ruling may also apply to other special categories in the public sector, such as judges and academics.
Aside from the developments with terrorism and finances, the government is also called upon to manage the dissatisfaction of many MPs and Ministers who believe that New Democracy’s overall polarizing strategy against SYRIZA is causing more harm than good and will have a serious impact in the polls.
