At 7.30 this evening, the future of the government coalition and the issue of ERT will be judged
At 7.30 this evening, the future of the government coalition and, subsequently, the issue of ERT will be judged, as Prime Minister Antonis Samaras will be meeting with the presidents of PASOK -Evangelos Venizelos- and DIMAR -Fotis Kouvelis.
The meeting is being held in circumstances that allow scenarios about early elections, as Mr. Samaras appears adamant in his positions concerning ERT and is "throwing the glove" at the government partners, underlining that asking for steps backward to be taken is hypocritical on their behalf, reminding that all political leaders approved the elimination of 2,000 jobs in the public sector.
Mr. Venizelos appears especially annoyed by the lessons in responsibility and reform determination, replying that reforms demand planning, preparation and respect for institutions and procedures. In a party announcement, replying to the Prime Minister's speech in Nafplio, they are speaking of rough and fragmentary moves in order to impress, violating the basic principles of parliamentary majority.
DIMAR is speaking of an unacceptable restructuring procedure for ERT. They are also asking for the Legislative Act to be withdrawn, ERT to function again immediately with a normal programme and the necessary rationalisation to be promoted with ERT being open.
Both government partners are blaming the possibility of early elections on Antonis Samaras.
Let it be noted that the decision of the Council of State on POSPERT (the ERT trade union) against the government's Legislative Act is expected by tomorrow.