One day after the head of Greece's largest labor union broke a major taboo by calling for negotiations on social security reform, the government yesterday invited opposition parties to enter talks on a number of major issues.

«There are some matters concerning the economy - but also society in general - as well as competitiveness and development, which require the greatest possible consensus,» Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis said. «There are matters which we must discuss, and on which it is possible to agree... Their solution does not just concern the present government, but will be a question for the coming decade.»

While Alogoskoufis did not elaborate on the precise matters he wanted to discuss, the main issue is undoubtedly Greece's creaking social security system. On Tuesday, the General Confederation of Greek Labor (GSEE) warned that the main state social security fund, IKA, could collapse in 20 years unless drastic action is taken, and urged talks on the matter.