Athens News Agency: News in English, 05-12-14

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Bill on public utilities reform approved in principle

[01] Bill on public utilities reform approved in principle

Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis accused main opposition PASOK President George Papandreou of "remaining trapped" in prejudices of the past, while the PASOK leader launched earlier a stinging attack on the government saying that it was "blind to the true needs" of the average citizen.

Papandreou accused the government of 'fake' reforms that have provoked the reaction of the Greek public, referring to nationwide strikes called by the country's leading trade unions.

"The [Prime Minister Costas] Karamanlis administration claims that those striking are those who do not want to lose their privileges. If this was true you would find us supporters of your efforts. Your hunger for power, your arrogance and easy aphorisms have blinded you to the true needs of the average Greek citizen," Papandreou accused.

"Changes in labour relations can be required in a globalised market. However, they must ensure security to workers and social consensus. You are even abolishing workers' rights to free and collective negotiations," he continued.

Finance Minister Alogoskoufis responded, saying that "the main opposition leader has proved, once again, that he remains trapped in the prejudices of his cadres and in political stalemates. He must decide whether he stands for the past or the future; whether he supports his party's past, corruption and graft."

Alogoskoufis continued his criticism against the main opposition party, saying that "unfortunately, the main opposition proved that it condemns [reforms] and that it supports partisanship and state domination in economy. Unfortunately, you remain stuck in your past, which the Greek public condemned, since you left behind ruins and now you want to become plaintiffs."

Aleka Papariga, Secretary General of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), accused both the ruling party and the main opposition of being "completely devoted to their political programs, particularly regarding privatisations, which only serve the interests of major capital."

On his part, Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology President Alekos Alavanos criticised the government, noting that "If this government wants to operate based on private [sector] criteria it should resign immediately. You are incapable of managing public assets; your strategy involves only exploiting it. You are a government of a 'divide and rule' philosophy."

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