ATHENS: Greek government spokesman, Dimitris Tzanakopoulos, clarified the coalition’s position on some aspects of the country’s post-bailout program arrangement that is expected to be agreed with creditors.
Speaking to 24/7 radio station on Wednesday, Tzanakopoulos ruled out the possibility of Athens relying on a precautionary credit line to secure access to debt markets after the existing bailout program expires in August 2018.
The spokesman said such scenarios are fictional and the government has focused its attention on drafting a growth plan to present to a Eurogroup meeting on 27 April.
The SYRIZA-ANEL coalition is considered to be keen to avoid the credit line, mainly because a so called mini adjustment program will most probably be attached to it. Proponents of the credit line include Bank of Greece Governor Yannis Stournaras, with whom the coalition has publicly disagreed, preferring to build a cash buffer instead.
Asked about the possibility of pension cuts slated for 2019 being put off, Tzanakopoulos said this will depend on the performance of the economy in coming months. “The main issue that concerns us is deciding an overall strategic plan with our partners” he said.
Commenting on rumors and media reports that the International Monetary Fund may demand a planned reduction of the income tax-free threshold is brought forward, he denied any such request has been tabled. The spokesman added that even it is suggested, it will be rejected by the government as fiscal targets are so far being met, and therefore there is no need for additional measures to boost economic performance.
