MacroPolis

Is the cost of Greece's public sector soaring again?

By: Georgia Nakou

As Greece approaches the end of its bailout programme, claims are emerging that the SYRIZA-ANEL government has been on a public sector hiring spree at the expense of already over-burdened taxpayers, while seeking to entrench itself in the state through political appointments.

OECD highlights reforms and imbalances that need to be addressed

The Organisation of Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) issued on Monday its latest survey on Greece, which was also accompanied by a visit to Athens by Secretary General Angel Gurria during which he met the Greek Prime Minister and other officials.

Institutions prepare for Athens return, completion of fourth review

The institutions will return to Athens on May 14 with a view to securing a staff-level agreement (SLA) to bring the fourth review to a close later in the month, the Eurogroup decided on Friday.

Pressure mounts on coalition to complete fourth review prior actions

The Greek government is waiting to hear from Friday’s meeting of the Washington Group to get a clearer understanding of where its lenders stand on the issues that hold the key to making a successful programme exit this summer, including debt relief and fiscal measures.

Ahead of IMF Spring Meetings, questions remain about conclusion of programme

Attention is due to turn to Washington this week in the hope that the discussions which take place at the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund’s Spring Meetings will provide some clarity on the conclusion of the Greek programme and what will follow.

Athens presents growth plan outline as lenders continue to differ on debt relief

A meeting of the Eurogroup Working Group (EWG) on Thursday gave the Greek government a first opportunity to hear feedback on its growth strategy and get an idea of the lenders’ thoughts on debt relief.

Prior actions and crucial meetings dominate agenda for rest of month

The pressure is back on the Greek government following the Easter break as it is thought that around 75 prior actions have to be completed in the coming weeks.

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.

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.

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.