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Home arrow newsitems arrow French President Hollande to EuroFora: Early Retirements' Stop might ease Greece deal

French President Hollande to EuroFora: Early Retirements' Stop might ease Greece deal

Written by ACM
Thursday, 25 June 2015
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*Brussels/EU Summit/Angelo Marcopolo/(25 overNight to 26 june, 4 o'clock Early "Morning")/- If controversial Early Retirements mainly in the Public Sector stopped now, this may facilitate an Agreed Solution on Greece's Debt, replied, in substance, French President Hollande, to a relevant Question raised by "EuroFora", just after German Chancelor Angie Merkel stressed that a scheduled €uroGroup meeting for Negotiations on Saturday has "a Crucial Importance", (See Infra).

 

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He was speaking at the conclusion of his Press Conference on a Crucial 1st Day of EU's Summit in Brussels, officialy dedicated to Mass Migration Topical issues, (Comp. other "EuroFora" NewsReport, on that matter), but in which, the problem of the Huge Debt provoked in Greece, inevitably intruded among the EU Heads of State/Government discussion, given the very Short Time Deadlines now remaining until June 30,(Tuesday Next Week), when the Government of Greece notoriously has to partly reimburse and/or pay rents for loans, otherwise risking to be declared default.


The Costly early retirements reportedly concern those aged civil servants and/or other Public Sector Employees who have, exceptionaly, a legal possibility to get Full Pensions even if they Retire even 5 or 6 Years earlier than all others, (f.ex. earlier than 67yo, which has been fixed recently for other Workers in Greece and even for EU's own Employees, etc), f.ex. already from 59 or 60yo, etc, due to a particular Law, paradoxically decided in the context of... Anti-Debt Measures :


- After a 1st Promise, by former Prime Minister Giorgos Papandreou, as early as since 2010, to Privatise for 50 Billions €, in order to get the 1st EU Financial Support, wasn't but only party met, EU/IMF asked, at least, to limit Spending by the Greek State, via a Reduction of its notoriously Disproportionate Staff. The "Softer" way to do so, was by Early Retirement, and, there, some put the "Softness", obviously, at Excessive levels,when a strange Law allowed long-serving Civil Servants  to retire Before Age with a Full 100% Pension, even Many Years before the Others....


=> But this later provoked a reportedly Expensive new State Expenditure of approximatively some 2,9 Billions € per year Expenditure,  i.e. almost as much as the current "Gap" discussed between EU Commission/ECB/IMF and the New Greek Government (which initialy was on how to Fund about 3,5 Billions € of alleged State Needs), becoming a Central Part of the Problem to Solve....


    +Moreover, most of these, "special" Pension Rights' Holders, are among the Biggest ever"Wave" of notorious Political Lackeys and Cushy-Job Holders,  notoriously appointed by former Clientelist/Nepotist mostly PASOK Governments, during the last 30+ Years (+1981-2015 : the "1st wave" arriving Now to the point of Completing 35 Years of Social Insurances, etc)), since the Beginning of the 1980ies ! I.e., preciesly those whos Exceptiopnaly Disproportionate Number, compared to the Country's GDP, notoriously Provoked, progressively, that Huge Debt.... Added to frequent Politicaly -Motivated Abuses, and/or useless, counter-productive Bureaucracy, this particular Group of Individuals is largely UnPopular and Disliked among Greek Citizens, (as a Suprisingly Big Number of Angry Comments, published by Greeks at the Internet, revealed these Days)...

++ The main point is that, while more than 1,5 Millions of People have recently become Jobless in Greece, while more than 500.000 have fallen in Poverty, (as New Prime Minister of Greece, Alexis Tsipras acknowledged himself recently), it's obviously Unjustifiable and Scandalous to keep even longer such Special "Privileges", (as Early Retirements with Full Pension, many Years before all others : Comp. Supra), for the Exclusive Profit of a Politicaly Colored Group, often accused of several Abuses, Discriminations and Nepotism, or to be, more or less Counter-Productive, even Useless, which has, already, over-Exploited the Greek State's Budget for more than 3O Years (+1981-2011+)....

=> To the point that, Surprized Observers witnessed, probably for the 1st Time in History, a so notoriously pro-Austerity Internatinional body, as that of the ...IMF, take the unusual step to even .... Refuse more Taxes upon Productive Businesses (including SMES), as it has just happened, regarding several Draft Funding Plans submitted recently by the Greek Authorities, as ...not necessary, IF Athens accepts to, at least STOP those too Expensive "Early Retirements" from the 1st of July 2015, (instead of just a Long  Period of Time, between 2017 - 2022, which would Start only after Jan. 2017)...

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    + Meanwhile, Questioned by "EuroFora", New Greek Government's Press Spokesman, the Young Minister Gabriel Sakelarides, even if he wasn't yet ready to Clearly specify the precise Number and Cost of those potential "Early Pensioners", (reportedly  located somewhetre between 130.000 and 300.000 in all, according to various other sources),nor the real cause for such a long Reluctance to settle this issue earlier, nevertheless, in his replies, it's Interesting to note the Fact that he DidN't Exclude, no more, an eventual Compromise on that Crucial point ...

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    + + Already, PanEuropean CoE's Social Charter Top Officials had ensured "EuroFora" that, as a matter of Principle, extremely Impoverished People from Greece, whenever they might be seriously affected by Controversial Measures ojectively aimed at a comparatively Disproportionate Profit of those State Agents and Public Sector Employees, to the Detriment of Jobless and Poor People, they could, at least, find a potentialyinteresting, practical Legal Support to a European/International ONG for Human Rights, (such as, f.ex., an International Association for Human Rights, etc), in order to lodge a Collective Complaint to CoE's Social Rights Committee in Strasbourg, competent to Judge and eventualy Condemn States for serious Violations of the PanEuropean Social Charter, (f.ex. vis a vis elementary Social Rights to Food, Shelter, Health Care, Family life, etc).    

                 
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=> - These are probably some among the main reasons for which, when he was clearly asked by "EuroFora", whether "it would Help UnBlock of situation, IF Athens Stopped the Early Retirements" Now, (i.e.from+1st July 2015), he didn't hesitate :

- After appearing as if he was Reflecting, briefly, Hollande immediately Answered by a Crystal-Clear :- "Yes , Yes !", looking straight  "EuroFora" at the eyes, before he left EU Council's Press Room, at the Conclusion of a very Busy and Long Working Day, at about 3 to 4 o'clock in the "Morning">...


Meanwhile, Hollande practicaly joined German Chancelor Angie Merkel, who had just Expressed (during her own Press Conference, just a few Minutes earlier, attended by a number of Journalists including "EuroFora" at an adjacent PressRoom), her "Full Support" to a Crucial Saturday "€uroGroup" meeting, to which EU Summit's Heads of State/Government send the issue of the Debt, after reportedly 2 or 3 Hours of Discussion between them ToNight.

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   - Concerning "Talks with Greece", "we (EU Summit Leaders) agreed that Further Work is Necessary with the three institutions and Greece", and, therefgore, that "Euro Group's meeting on Saturday has crucial importance; Because Time is Pressing. All the European Council supported that Everything must be done to on Saturday to find a Solution", this has a "crucial importance", Merkel reiterated with Emphasis.


>>> indeed, the still available Time is, obviously, too Short ; After a last Attempt by that crucial "€uroGroup" Meeting of Finance Ministers, scheduled for Saturday Afternoon, here in Brussels, in case of Agreement, the Greek and German Parliaments must convene and Vote on Sunday, (as well as any other EU Country's National Parliament might be, eventully, required),so that all other necessary Legal and Financial technical moves could be Completed on Monday and Tuesday, June 29 and 30, (Day on which Chancelor Merkel has, by the way, scheduled a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Renzi)...


=> I.e., obviously, from Now on, Fast, Steady and Big "Steps" in the Negotiations, are Urgently Needed bny Both Sides, if they Want to Succesfully Conclude  On Time,

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while  it "takes 2 to Danse", as an inspired Latvian EU Presidency for Jan. - June 2015 Artfuly Symbolized, at EU Council's main PressRoom, with a Spectacular Design at the Ground, where the Right FootSteps are Clearly Pictured, with Instructions on how to "Keep in Step", thanks to an astonishing Precision of the Exceptional Hurry, Accuracy and Harmony, really needed during the remaining, forthcoming few Days of 26, 27, 28 (Sunday), 29 and 30 June 2015 (See relevant Photo) !...

 

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(../..)

 

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(NDLR : "DraftNews", as already send to "EuroFora"'s Subscribers/Donors, earlier. A more accurate, full Final Version might be Published asap).

 

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    The incoming Swedish EU Presidency (July-December 2009) may still remain in favour of Turkey's controversial EU bid, despite June 2009 EU Elections' results, but it has "very strong demands on Turkey"'s obligation to respect EU Rules, said the Head of Swedish Foreign Ministry's Press Service, Cecilia Julin, to "EuroFora", reacting to critical Press reports.

    - "I know (that) the link is often made also to Sweden's position on Turkey"'s controversial EU bid. Indeed, "we (Swedish EU Presidency) are very much engaged in the future membership of Turkey, but not without fullfiling all the Criteria".

    - "It's very clear that we (Swedish EU Presidecny) have very Strong Demands on Turkey, in a sort of concept for Future membership of the Union, ...which will be a Long Process...", she stressed.

    This means, in particular, "the Copenhagen Criteria (on Human Rights, Democracy and Rule of Law), and also the adaptation to the Acquis of the European Union".

     - "If you listen to what Mr. Bildt (the Swedish Foreign Minister) says on Turkey at different occasions, it's very clear : We want Turkey to become part of the Union, in the Future. But we want it to fullfil all the Criteria : The Acquis of the European Union. That's very clear", she concluded.

    The Senior Official of the Swedish Foreign Ministry was reacting to critical Press Reports, from Brussels' Journalists invited by EU Commission's secretariat to Stockholm, who claimed that Bildt was abusing of a ..."Whip" (sic !) against Cyprus, by "threatening" the presence of UNO's Peace-keeping force at the "Green line" which separates the island's Government-controlled areas from the territories occupied by Ankara's army, if Nicosia didn't accept any political solution, regardless of Turkey's demands, before the end of 2009.

        Governing AKEL Party's new Secretary General, Andros Kyprianou, reacted by declaring that no-one can threat the People of Cyprus : -"We shall decide for our Future, and nobody else",  he reportedly said, asking to "keep calm". "In order to find a Solution soon, certain basic Principles must be respected", he stressed, calling those who feel an urgency to use their influence on Turkey. Other Political Parties were more critical.

    This was a reference to recently reported statements by Turkish Minister Bagis, Prime Minister Tayip Erdogan and Turkey's National Security Council (a Military-Political body), accused to push towards a partitionist "2 States" solution, contrary to UNO SC Resolutions for Cyprus' reunification.

    December 2009 is a crucial moment for EU's appraisal of Turkey's controversial EU bid, because EU Council has decided to review then Ankara's compliance with the European position on the recognition of Cyprus' Government, which was clearly set out by an EU reply of 21 September 2005 to Turkish Prime Minister Tayip Erdogan's claims, refusing to recognize even the existence of EU Member Cyprus, in controversial statements he made to London (former EU chair) on July 29, 2005.

    EU Parliament's latest Resolution on Turkey, adopted on March 2009 in Strasbourg, warned Ankara that "the non-fulfillment of Turkey's commitments... by December 2009, may further seriously affect the process of Negotiations" with the EU.

    In practice, the issue boils down to Ankara's "embargo" against Ships and Airplanes using Cyprus' seaports or airports at the strategic EU island, which traditionaly hosts one of the World's biggest Shipping flags. EU has already "freezed" 6 relevant Chapters in EU - Turkey Negotiations since December 2006, after Ankara refused to fullfil a commitment it had undertaken when EU had decided to open controversial "accession" negotiations with Turkey, back on December 2005.

    - "As far as EU - Turkey relations are concerned, it's clear that Turkey needs to fullfil its obligation of full, non-discriminatory implementation of the additional Protocol (to "EC-Turkey Association Agreement"),  This is an important issue....and should be addresseed as soon as possible as it clearly affects the pace of the accession negotiations.Issues covered by the Declaration of September 2005 will continue to be followed up, and progress is urgently awaited", warned earlier in Strasbourg the out-going Czech EU Presidency (former vice-Prime Minister Alexander Vodra).

    But the Head of the Swedish Foreign Ministry's Press Service, Cecilia Julin, dismissed "interpretations" by "some" that Foreign Minister Carl Bildt was reportedly "threatening" Cyprus with consequences on the UNFICYP, if it doesn't accept any solution until December 2009, while Turkey is reportedly delaying in an attempt to impose a partitionist "2 States" solution.

    On the contrary, Julin, stressed that "Sweden has strong demands on Turkey'"s respect of "Copenhagen Criteria and EU Acquis".

    Meanwhile, Sweden  is "concerned" about the risk of "Stalemate" in Cyprus' Talks, but is well aware that "the main responsibilities lie with the two leaders and the UNO", Europe playing only a role of "facilitator".

    After carefully verifying, the Head of Swedish Foreign Ministry's Press Service, stressed to "EuroFora" that Bildt's reference to UNFICYP "was not linked to a Threat", and dismissed those who "interpreted" it so.

    On the contrary, the Swedish EU Presidency acknowledged the fact that Peace Talks are mainly for the UN and the leaders of the Cypriot communities, EU's role being limited into that of a "facilitator".

    As for Turkey's reported attempts to impose a "2 States' solution", the Head of the Swedish Foreign Ministry's Press Service sharply replied by stressing that Turkey must respect the "EU Acquis" rules.

    In particular :

    - "Basically he (Bildt) underlined that it's the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus and the UN that have the main responsibilities for solving the problem", started to say the Swedish Senior Official to "EuroFora", referring to the above-mentioned "briefing".

    - "But the EU had a role in sort of pointing out the benefits and facilitating a little bit the outcome for the settlement of the whole Cyprus' issue", she added.

    - "And he did state the Fact, that the rest of the World (i.e. USA, etc) will, of course, look at the differend issues which are at the table, and the future of the UN Peace keeping force is part of what is at the table", she admitted.

    - "I understand that some have interpreted that as a Threat, by the Swedish Minister" "But", in reality, "it's a statement of a Fact, that, when we'll look at the differend issues, one of the issues on which we shall have to take a stand on, is the future of the UN Peace keeping force in Cyprus".

    Indeed, one of the questions usually raised for a Solution of Cyprus' issue is what International and/or European or other Guarantees, by a Peace-keeping force, might be needed afterwards, eventually for a transitory period.

    Questioned anew by "EuroFora" whether (according to critical Press Reports) this could be taken as a veiled warning that, if Cyprus didn't accept any Turkish demand for any solution whatever, it might be left alone to face Ankara's Military Invasion/Occupation, she denied :

    - "He (Bildt) didn't say it in that way"... "It was not linked to a threat, or anything like that", the Head of the Swedish Foreign Ministry's Press Service stressed.

    On the contrary, "he (Bildt) underlined that the main responsibility lies with the parties concerned on the island". "The EU can try to facilitate and show the benefits of reaching a settlement. But also, when the EU and the rest of the World (i.e. USA) will have to look at it, they will look at all the Facts on the table, and the presence of the UN Peace-keeping force is one".

    And "he (Bildt) didn't speak about that at all", she replied to "EuroFora" question on Turkey's reported attemps to impose, in one way of another, a partitionist "2 States solution".

    Asked whether Bildt's aim was to incite both parties to move forward efficiently, she agreed :

    - In fact, "the EU is really very concerned with the Stalemate in the situation. Yes !", the Head of Sweden's Foreign Ministry's Press Service anounced. That's why Bildt "was hoping for the two parties (i.e. for Turkey's also) to engage and break, a little-bit, the present stalemate, come to a solution of the issue" of Cyprus.

    But, replying  to a "EuroFora"s question on the risk, denounced by several politicians in case of strict Time Deadlines, for Turkey to provoke a stalemate and wait for the time to come to impose a partitionist "2 States' solution", she reacted by pointing at Turkey's obligation to respect "EU Acquis" :

    - "Turkey must fullfil the EU Acquis : That's clear !", the Swedish Senior Official stressed.

    More details are expected when Swedish Prime Minister Reinfeldt will debate his Programme with new MEPs at EU Parliament's plenary mid-July in Strasbourg, that he has visited already in 2008.

    Foreign Minister Carl Bildt became familiar with Strasbourg's CoE last year, when Sweden chaired the PanEuropean organization of Human Rights. As EU chairman-in-office, he will also chair the 27-member States strong EU Group inside the 47-member States strong CoE.

    Minister for EU affairs, Cecilia Malmstrom is well known at EU Parliament, where she has been an active MEP of the Liberal Group for many years, following also Press Freedom issues.

    Both have already made various statements at "EuroFora", on differend topical matters.

    ***

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