Last night’s meeting by liberal New Democracy (ND) and Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) officials of the coalition government focused on easing tax burdens for certain categories of citizens as well as on prerequisites for the month of July.

Both sides agreed to offer the opportunity for people to repay debts with up to 100 extra installments. They both advocate the recognition of the first five years following employees redundancies so that those made redundant are entitled to social security stamps for this period – something that hasn’t been the case so far. This decision mainly concerns school guards so that will be able to retire with the new measures.

Areas of disagreement

PASOK party disagrees on are the 6,500 layoffs of public employees – a matter that will be discussed during a meeting with ND Prime Minister Antonis Samaras and PASOK deputy Prime Minister Evangelos Venizelos. PASOK has already raised questions about the redundancy selection and would like this number to be reduced. Another issue that PASOK has put to the table is the civil servants agreement that means 15% of civil servants will be obliged to be beneath the evaluation base. PASOK disagrees with this and is expected to press for changes.

Sources state that the controversial bill for the shoreline will be submitted to Parliament after August 25.