Politics: PM chairs cabinet on closed professions

Prime Minister George Papandreou termed as a “historic change” the reforms promoted by the government as regards the opening up of so-called closed professions.

Chairing a cabinet meeting on Wednesday afternoon, the prime minister gave the green light to his ministers that are directly involved in the issue to proceed to the final drafting of a special bill and its tabling in Parliament.

Premier Papandreou also referred to a bill concerning changes in the functioning of trade unions and the farmers’ co-operative societies, which will be discussed during a new cabinet meeting on Thursday.

Papandreou also said his government “dares in going ahead with reforms the country needs” and reiterated that “this Greece, Greece with these caracteristics, has finished.”

The prime minister referred to the country’s opposition parties, expressing hope that they will respond positively to the reforms.

Papandreou also categorically dismissed scenarios over any restructuring of Greece’s debt, requesting at the same time from his ministers to be careful when referring to such issues.

He also termed as “malicious” and “devious” a relevant German press report

Referring to discussions currently held on an European Union level, the Greek premier said developments in the Union are caracterised by “fluidity” and fo this reason Greece must be vigilant.

“Greece’s interest is identical to stability in Europe, “not fiscal stability but the broader stable political course as regards the deepening of the European undertaking,” Papandreou added.