SYRIZA on standby for agreement
SYRIZA’s party bodies are on standby to meet in the coming days if the government reaches an agreement with the institutions and to assess whether the deal meets the approval of leftist party members and MPs.
Ministers and SYRIZA lawmakers mostly remained tight-lipped Monday regarding the potential agreement but the party’s political secretariat and central committee will be convened if a deal is reached.
SYRIZA’s parliamentary spokesman, Nikos Filis, said he was confident that the coalition will remain faithful to its red lines, which include lower primary surpluses as well as not cutting pensions and public sector salaries. “The agreement will be evaluated, discussed and will pass through Parliament, with backing from SYRIZA’s parliamentary group and, I believe, Independent Greeks.”
Alternate Minister for Citizens’ Protection Yiannis Panousis suggested that if there are ministers who disagree with the expected settlement between the government and its creditors, they should leave the cabinet. “If there are ministers who cannot take it, do not want it, who are against the new agreement that is on its way, then a reshuffle will be necessary,” said Panousis, who is not a SYRIZA member.
One potential flash point in the government is over the issue of scrapping the value-added tax discount for Aegean islands. Coalition partner Independent Greeks has said it would strongly oppose such a move. This position was repeated Monday by Defense Minister Panos Kammenos.
“The issue of VAT on the islands is a precondition for Independent Greeks and me personally to accept this agreement and continue being part of the government,” Kammenos said.
