Parliament debates on the bill on the prior actions

The debate on the bill on the prior actions that will give the green light for the disbursement of the 2.8 billion euro loan sub-tranche started on Monday with the rapporteurs of the parties to the relevant committees in parliament. The government majority earlier in the day approved Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos’ proposal for using emergency fast-track procedures because, as he said, Greece should have proceeded with all structural reforms by the Eurogroup on October 8. All opposition parties expressed their disagreement over the emergency procedure accusing the government of trying once again to pass an important bill in such a way.
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 government hopes to have all the so-called milestones completed by Thursday when the Euro Working Group is to meet and prepare for the October 10 Eurogroup, when Athens hopes to get the green light for the release of the 2.8 billion euros.
The bill is expected to be discussed and voted in parliament on Tuesday.