Govt spokeswoman threatens farmers: No measures mean more pension cuts!

The Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) is continuing its tactics of “divide and conquer” by pitting one vulnerable social group against another following its failure to find equitable and viable solutions to social security problems. On Saturday morning, Government Spokesperson Olga Gerovasili placed the blame for Greece’s woes on social groups that are reacting against social security reforms while trying to win the support of other groups that are less affected by the measure.

Specifically, she warned farmers and white-collar professionals that if the measures that the government proposals are not implemented, there will be more cuts to main pensions. “If we don’t fight hard, then the IMF’s view may be implemented for further pension reductions,” she said in an interview with private MEGA TV. Furthermore, she warned that there may not be enough funds for pensions over the coming years.

The government is challenged with finding ways to cut 1.8 bln euros from social security funds in 2016 so as to be in line with the “zero clause”. Regarding farmers’ mobilizations at key road networks, Gerovasili said that she understands why the farmers have taken to the streets pointing to policies that have harmed the agriculture sector over the last few years. She excluded forcing farmers to open networks with use of violence.

Gerovasili also criticised the opposition parties, saying that they have “forgotten what they voted for” while noting that the SYRIZA-ANEL coalition was given the popular mandate to administrate the agreement reached with its partners.