Further, the same sources according to Reuters support that Greece presses Troika not to take into account in the evaluation of the changes the social insurance, in an attempt to avoid reactions.
Athens is halfway through the final review of progress and is currently under pressure to finish all pending reforms before receiving the final installment of the aid package of 7.2 billion Euro.
However, the Greek government wants to avoid a commitment of applying a law that will involve the merger of auxiliary funds until November, since it would immediately mean a further substantially cut on pensions for many Greeks, as well as undermining the current government commitment to avoid further reductions in wages and pensions said a Greek official.
The same Greek official reveals that the government requested in writing to remove the reform of the current assessment, arguing that the social security system is viable until 2060.
A different source stated that the IMF presses Athens to complete all the reforms, including the one for pensions before the end of the program, although recognizes that there is room for flexibility depending on the progress made in other open fronts. He further stated that ” This is a very sensitive political issue for the Greek government”.
In conclusion, a small reminder that back in 2010 Greece voted a law for pension cuts, limiting early retirement and increasing the number of contribution years required for a full pension.