New Greek Labor Minister Efi Ahtsioglou has reportedly briefed representatives of creditors on the government’s positions regarding labor sector reforms, easily the most difficult chapter of negotiations to conclude a second review of Greek program (third bailout).
The briefing came on Tuesday evening in a Greek capital whose downtown district was cordoned off for the visit by US President Barack Obama, which dominated and will continue to dominate official Athens’ attention this week.
According to a report disseminated by the state-run news agency, the new minister again called for resumption in the collective bargaining regime in the country and expressed opposition to a loosening of the law allowing mass layoffs.
Ahtsioglou, 31, was the chief of staff of the previous minister, who after last week's Cabinet reshuffle switched portfolios.
In another government building, a new “super fund” to include remaining Greek state assets and enterprises was discussed by creditors and the finance ministry’s leadership.
As in the previous case, only the government’s spin was publicized, with finance ministry sources saying progress was achieved on the internal regulation for the new fun and the manner in which it will establish a board of directors and appoint board members.
Negotiations resume on Wednesday with financial sector issues and demands related to the health ministry on the agenda.
