Gov't braces for vote on reforms

The government faces a busy week with the latest multi-bill of reforms to go before a vote Tuesday and several loose ends that must be tied up before the country's creditors can sign off on the next loan sub-tranche worth 2.8 billion euros.

The bill contains provisions regarding pension reforms - notably the abolition of exemptions relating to healthcare contributions - as well as the transfer of several public organizations (DEKOs) into a new privatization fund. Those organizations are the Public Power Corporation, the Athens and Thessaloniki Water and Sewerage Companies (EYDAP and EYATH respectively), the Hellenic Vehicle Industry (ELBO ), Attiko Metro and Buildings' Infrastructures SA.

The bill is expected to pass into law as the coalition retains a slim but solid majority in Parliament and complaints rarely translate into defections in the House.

In...