Uniformed officers from the military, police and other services are calling for an immediate revoke of the multi-bill that plans to put their pensions into a merged fund which would see their auxiliary benefits slashed in half. This plan is just one of 600 unfinished reforms that the government has given to Parliament to vote on next week so that Greece can receive the next instalment of a 1-billion euro tranche from its international creditors.

High-ranking officers are calling for the proposal to be retracted despite Labor Minister Yiannis Vroutsis’ efforts to soften the blow by revising the legislation for those nearing retirement from the armed forces or emergency services so that adjustments happen gradually.

Despite these reassurances, many high-ranking officers have  rushed to apply for immediate retirement in order to avoid the cuts proposed by the pension change proposal.

Panhellenic Federation of Police Officers (POASY) President Christos Fotopoulos rendered the changes as “unconstitutional” and said, “We have reduced our lump sum on our own accord. We have increased contributions. There is no need for our funds to be tampered with.”

The Panhellenic Federation of Army Officers (POAXIA) President Yiannis Katsiamakas likened the ministry to a “pimp” stating that the “only reason for the proposal is because it wants to lay its hands on the 200-million euro reserves in the fund.”