Govt aims to "thaw" out public sector recruitments

Administrative Reform Undersecretary George Koutrougalos told private MEGA TV that recruitments, mainly in the health and education sectors, that had been "frozen" will now continue as planned. He said that the measure placing employees on 'availability' will be scrapped as it is considered precursory to dismissal. An estimated 3,900 people are believed to be affected by the government's decision.

Concerning the use of citizens to combat tax evasion, Koutrougalos said that this won't be for the protection of the state but for the protection of citizens in an effort to combat corruption. He said that it is important to have more people ensuring that tax mechanisms are at work, implying that there are a number of tax officials that can be bribed. "Tax officials are, in the majority, honest people. There are some however that can home and tell you, 'You're up for 100,000 euros and 30,000 euros is the fine you owe so give me 5,000 euros and you're clean.' I know that there are such cases," he said.

He said that surveillance is suitable so that a larger danger can be overcome. "Bribing a public servant is an illegal offence. Wiring is mainly for the protection of citizens," he underlined.