August 26, 1958
WAR VICTIMS: Deputy Finance Minister Dimitris Aliprantis, referring to a proposal from the United Democratic Left (EDA) for a bill that would increase pensions for the war disabled and other victims by 50 percent, said that this would place a further burden on the budget to the tune of 335 million drachmas. He added that there was no immediate possibility of settling the pension issue, as had already been explained during the budget debate, because any cuts to other funds to meet such an expenditure would make it difficult to meet the basic needs that are absolutely necessary for the function of the state. POPULIST RIGHT: Government-negotiated talks held between employer and staff unions over the signing of collective labor agreements for a new minimum wage have been successful. Apart from the increases granted, family bonuses have been established for staff members with dependent children. Prime Minister Constantine Karamanlis made the following comment at the conclusion of the talks: «My government’s intention has always been to improve the standard of living of the broader masses who form the foundation of Greek society. Along with farmers, workers have always been the object of the government’s concern.»
