Economy
Much ground to cover on prior actions despite privatisation progress
This week’s report in German newspaper Handelsblatt concerning some of the debt relief proposals that are being put together ahead of more discussions this month have rekindled interest in the subject in Greece despite progress in the fourth review still appearing limited.
Rising exports drive 16.6 pct contraction of February trade deficit
Greece’s trade deficit fell by 16.6 percent in February, shrinking further compared to January’s decline of 14.8 percent, according to data from the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) released on Thursday.
Job hirings outpace departures by 55,494 in March
The employment balance strengthened in March as hirings outpaced departures by 55,494, data from the Labour Ministry’s Ergani information system revealed.
HCAP and Finance Ministry reveal five-year strategic plan for public assets
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The Ministry of Finance (MoF) and the Hellenic Corporation of Assets and Participation (HCAP) have presented its five year plan for the so-called "super-fund" regarding the use of public assets between 2018-2022.
PM livens up ministers over fourth review as debt relief proposals are put together
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras urged his ministers on Tuesday to concentrate on any tasks they have related to the fourth review, thereby ensuring that the government does not put at risk the timely conclusion of the third programme this summer.
General govt primary cash surplus at 3.26 in Feb, arrears up by 237 mln
Greece’s general government (gg) primary cash surplus amounted to 3.26 billion in the first two months of 2018, up by 809 million compared to the same time last year according to the Finance Ministry’s (MoF) monthly gg bulletin.
Working-class homes or millionaires' mansions - what's going under the hammer in property auctions?
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On Wednesday 21 March, a familiar scene played out outside the offices of a notary in central Athens. A few dozen protesters organised by the anti-austerity “I Won’t Pay” movement and the political parties Popular Unity and Course for Freedom clashed with police as they tried to obstruct the scheduled auctions of foreclosed properties.
Less than 10 pct of 99.97 bln overdue taxes deemed collectible by authorities
The annual report by Independent Authority of Public Revenues’ (IAPR) for 2017 revealed that the overwhelming majority of those who owed taxes to the state at the end of 2017 owe sums of 500 euros and under.
Complications over reforms cast doubt on June target for global deal
With 10 days to go until the meeting of the Euro Working Group on April 12, the onus is on the Greek government to start ticking off more prior actions even though speculation is rife that a global deal between Athens and the lenders may have to wait until July, rather than June.
PMI at 55 pts in March, slowing from Feb but above 50 for tenth month
Greece’s Manufacturing PMI dipped by 1.1 points to 55 in March, the tenth consecutive reading above the 50-mark threshold.