The Prime Minister Antonis Samaras and the government Vice President Evangelos Venizelos have arranged to meet on Thursday on order to discuss the upcoming negotiations with the troika along with the successor to Mr. Avramopoulos at the Ministry of National Defense.
Earlier rumors of Mr. Samaras assuming the role of National Defense Minister appear to have been dispelled, while a report in Ta Nea claims that the possibility of a new “mini” cabinet reshuffle has not been ruled out. It is more than likely that the new Minister will be a New Democracy MP, however any decisions made will be announced by the end of the week.
Government sources have suggested that the recent financial developments have limited the government’s ability to negotiate with the troika, with pressure increasingly mounting towards a deal by early December. The government’s plans regarding the reforms in employment may be overturned, with the Greek side attempting to convince the troika of delaying some of the critical issues.
Mr. Samaras and Mr. Venizelos in particular want to delay the discussions about the reforms in national insurance for spring. The troika on the contrary is pressuring to see plans that will be implemented in 2015, should the current review program determine that additional measures are necessary.
The two government partners will also try to avoid entering discussions over the deregulation of collective dismissals, claiming that there is no room for changes in relevant legislation. The Greek side will also argue that the current legislation regarding lockouts must be maintained, in accordance with the ILO’s relevant report.
The government is willing to accept extensive changes to legislation regarding unions, particularly in limiting union benefits. The government partners do not expect any significant objections in Parliament and believes that these reforms will enjoy popular support.
