The need to make “difficult decisions” for the survival of the ailing ELTA was highlighted by Mr Kyriakos Pierrakakis in Parliament a few hours after the announcement by the organisation’s management to close around 200 branches.

“ELTA is in trouble, but it has to survive,” the Finance Minister said, recalling that the government has already proceeded with a share capital increase and a voluntary exit. “The task is to survive. The ELTAs are in trouble. Too many problems they have to deal with. Mail is 10% of what it used to be. Difficult decisions have to be made. I would agree that every parameter has to be taken into account. And this is being done. Let me emphasize that the money that has been put in is for the survival of the organization, not the other way around,” Pierrakakis said.

Earlier, SYRIZA spokesman Nikos Pappas called for the immediate convening of the relevant committees of the Parliament to discuss the issue of the EL.TA with the request being unanimously accepted.

PASOK’s Michalis Katrinis said that “the issue of the closure raises serious issues”, while ND MPs also expressed concern.

Stelios Petsas said, “It is not only a matter of technocratic, but also a matter of serving citizens. There are issues with the elderly, with border areas, but also with large areas,” while Mr. Thanasis Kavvadas noted that the announcement of the closure of 203 ELTA branches has disrupted the local communities of their constituencies.