Discussion for the planned 30% sell-off of the PPC ends with today’s vote in Parliament. The focus of discussion on the matter took place amid the Coalition of the Radical Left’s (SYRIZA) scramble to gather 120 signatures required for a debate on the referendum following a suggestion by Parliament Speaker Vangelis Meimarakis.

Five different appeals for a referendum are expected to be lodged during today’s session.

At yesterday’s discussion, SYRIZA deputy Thanassis Petrakos said that the planned legislation will lead to the “breakup” of the PPC with the goal of selling off the new integrated company to private monopolies. He repeated the view that the government doesn’t have the political authority to proceed in this “social crime”.

Independent Greeks (ANEL) deputy Rachel Makri threatened to take the matter to the European Court of Justice in order to ascertain compensation to people in western Macedonia who will be hit hard by the sell-off.

Democatic Left (DIMAR) deputy Nicky Founda said that the government was proceeding without a plan of action and without any guarantees to consumers and workers, adding however that her party was in favor of a methodical liberalization of the energy market. The Communist Party of Greece(KKE) deputy called for an energy plan that would satisfy public needs through the nationalization of energy production.

On its part, the government coalition pointed to the positives. New Democracy (ND) deputy Kostas Skrekas said that the new legislation will lead to lower prices for consumers. Socialist PASOK Kostas Triandafyllos was critical of SYRIZA and ANEL’s stand.