The ECB, EU and IMF representatives visited the Ministry of Finances at 10am this morning, where Minister Yannis Stournaras was joined by the Minister of Administrative Reform Kyriakos Mitsotakis to discuss dismissals in the public sector.
The main points on the troika’s agenda were to determine the suspension goals for 2014, conclude on the 12,500 who are to enter the second wave of suspension for 2013 (and which has been extended to March 2014) and to expedite the 11,000 dismissals that have been agreed upon for 2014.
This is the final visit of the troika for the review that begun in September 2013, with an 8.8 billion euro loan installment being at stake. Despite the delays and difficulties, sources from the troika point out that progress is taking place, albeit at a slower pace than expected.
Amongst the main points of contestation are the OECD’s proposals (particularly regarding the sale of milk, medication and books) and addressing the 3-billion-euro fiscal gap of 2014-2015, which is related to the troika’s opposition to the redistribution of the primary surplus before the European elections.
The meeting at the Ministry of Finances ended around noon, with Mr. Stournaras and the troika arranging to meet again at 5pm on Friday.
