The Parliamentary Group of governing party SYRIZA has arranged to convene on Thursday in order to debate the agreement proposal made by the Institutions.
SYRIZA’s parliamentary spokesperson Nikos Filis told Mega Channel that the call for a meeting was unanimous and stressed that the government will stand by its “red lines”, such as protection of pensions, low primary surplus targets, restructuring public debt and tackling the humanitarian crisis. Mr. Filis clarified that the VAT reform was never considered a “red line”.
Given that a number of prominent party members have objected to the extent of concessions that the government should make, in pursuing an agreement with its creditors, Thursday’s meeting is expected to be interesting and a precursor of how the government may respond to the proposal.
Earlier on Tuesday State Minister Nikos Pappas clarified that SYRIZA MPs will be called upon to adhere to the party line, when the agreement is brought before Parliament for discussion, with Mr. Filis later adding that if 12 MPs vote against it, then early elections may be called.
Furthermore, the Minister of Finances Yanis Varoufakis met with a number of SYRIZA MPs to inform them on the latest developments, but reportedly avoided getting into greater details over creditor demands. He is said to have stated that there will be “rapid developments”.
