Samaras critical of omnibus bill

Main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Antonis Samaras on Friday voiced opposition to the government’s omnibus bill on labor relations tabled in parliament the previous day, addressing the ND Constitutional Revision Committee.

Samaras noted a “heavy social and political atmosphere because the government is advancing an omnibus bill which — suddenly and under urgent proceedings — changes the living conditions of millions of Greek citizens, without prior dialogue or consensus, without serious planning, and with intensifying internal rifts in the government”.

ND is in favor of changes, but not piecemeal changes, he said, adding that ND demands structural changes that will bring competitiveness, recovery and hope, and not empty sacrifices without prospects.

Samaras said that the first step in the country’s course to reform of the political system is the designation of parliament as a Constitutional Revision Parliament after June 2013, in order for the country to acquire a Constitutional map that will serve as a modern framework of principles and rules of a new political perception of the structure, organisation and operation of the state in the direction of rebirth, growth and reviving the national pride.