The omnibus bill for prior actions needed to complete the first review of the Greek programme and the disbursement of the final 2.8-billion-euro sub-tranche of loans to Greece was passed by the relevant Parliamentary committees on Monday. The bill was supported by the two ruling coalition parties, SYRIZA and Independent Greeks, while the entire opposition voted against. The bill must now be debated and voted on by the Parliament plenum.
The government majority earlier in the day approved Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos’ proposal for using emergency fast-track procedures because, as he said, Greece should have proceeded with all structural reforms by the Eurogroup on October 8.
The bill contains provisions regarding pension reforms – notably the abolition of exemptions relating to healthcare contributions – as well as the transfer of several public organizations (DEKOs) into a new privatization fund. Those organizations are the Public Power Corporation, the Athens and Thessaloniki Water and Sewerage Companies (EYDAP and EYATH respectively), the Hellenic Vehicle Industry (ELBO ), Attiko Metro and Buildings’ Infrastructures SA.
The government hopes to have all the so-called milestones completed by Thursday when the Euro Working Group is to meet and prepare for the October 10 Eurogroup, when Athens hopes to get the green light for the release of the 2.8 billion euros.