The Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) government elected following snap elections on Jan. 25 is kicking off its legislative debut with four draft bills aimed at dealing with what it has termed as the “humanitarian crisis” in Greece as a result of austerity. Envisioned measures are expected to meet with the reaction of international lenders and EU partners, as it appears that the government will not step back in terms of its campaign pledge to funnel electricity, foodstuffs, lease subsidies etc. to lower income strata of the population. 

Specifically, the first four acts of the Greek government, are:

1. Dealing with the humanitarian crisis with specific measures, such as offering a percentage of free electricity and food handouts to 300,000 households, a program aimed at providing subsidized shelter for 30,000 people who fulfill certain requirements and provisions to reduce evictions, which increased over the whopping recession that plagued the country since its international bailout (twice) and mandated spending cuts.

2. A debt settlement for overdue loans to the state aimed at 3.7 million people and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which owe up to 5,000 euros each. The same draft law includes a settlement for overdue debts to insurance funds and ceasing arrests and detainment for those that owe up to 50,000 euros to the state. Regulations on clamping down on tax evasion are also included as well as the reopening of cases such as the Lagarde list and Lichtenstein list, concerning the possible export of untaxed assets abroad.

3. Protection of the primary residence. The regulation concerns homes whose objective values do not exceed 300,000 euros. 

4.Re-establishment of the Greek Radio and Television (ERT) broadcaster in its previous form. The legislation will be submitted on Thursday.