Parliament debates gov't response to pandemic

Party leaders debated the government's response to the coronavirus outbreak in Parliament Thursday.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis lauded his government's response, saying it was the only one that outlawed layoffs. He said the government spent €17.5 billion to prop up incomes and companies and will spend more, when European funds are available.

Mitsotakis said further steps will be taken to help employers and employees. State will subsidize salaries of those furloughed or forced to work part-time. Home ownership will continue to be protected from foreclosures.

Mitsotakis criticized opposition proposals for even more money to be poured into the economy, accusing the formerly governing Syriza of still promoting the idea that money grows on trees.

Opposition leader Alexis Tsipras said government response to crisis was belated and inadequate; added that...