English
Τετάρτη, 24 Φεβρουαρίου 2016 11:15

Govt trying to maneuver between commitments to creditors and avoidance of primary pension cuts

The Greek government continues to search out for alternative proposals to achieve memorandum-mandated pension reforms, and ahead of the return of institutional creditors’ representatives this week.

By Stelios Papapetros

The Greek government continues to search out for alternative proposals to achieve memorandum-mandated pension reforms, and ahead of the return of institutional creditors’ representatives this week.

The Tsipras government is trying to find a “happy medium” between meeting its commitments to creditors and trying to avoid a cut of primary pensions, even as the deadline for talks has been exceeded.

The relevant labor ministry reportedly budgeted each proposal, one of which includes the latest compromises for social security contributions by farmers and self-employed professionals.

 One of the alternatives reportedly revolves around the idea of guaranteeing primary pensions of at least 1,200 to 1,300 euros, while leaving open the possibility of cuts above that figure. Nevertheless, new reductions on other forms of pension bonueses, i.e. auxiliary pensions, cannot be ruled out.