FinMin meets with party reps on fiscal strategy plan

Speedier reduction of interest rates, deeper structural changes and fairer distribution of burden were requested by Democratic Alliance party representatives in Wednesday’s meeting with Finance Minister George Papaconstantinou. The meeting was held at the ministry of finance within the framework of the dialogue focusing on the drafting of the country’s Medium-Term Fiscal Strategy Plan for 2012-2015.

The party’s MEP Thodoros Skylakakis stated afterwards that Europe should help Greece but this alone is not enough, adding that the country should proceed with the necessary reforms without extreme populism and trade union objections.

Earlier, the finance minister had a meeting with representatives of the Democratic Left party who expressed opposition to the government’s policies.

The party’s economic policy officer Dimitris Hatzisokratis stressed that “a different way exists, with a fair distribution of the burden and reinforcement of social solidarity”.

The Democratic Left delegation said a uniform effort by Greece and the EU is necessary, adding that Greece must demand an extension of the EU-IMF support loan’s repayment period, reduction of the interest rate and the issuance of a so-called Euro-bond.

Hatzisokratis also said his party is opposed to constitutionally mandated fiscal restrictions, as demanded by Germany.

Papaconstantinou is due to meet with representatives of the Popular Orthodox Rally (LA.OS) party later in the day.

Main opposition New Democracy (ND), the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) and the Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA parliamentary alliance) have turned down the finance minister’s invitation to dialogue on the fiscal strategy plan.