PPC plans testing gov’t

Leadership seeks to contain opposition to sell-off as Kammenos sees hope in US

The mood in the leftist-led government was tense yesterday amid divisions over the prospect of privatizing the Public Power Corporation, the latest stumbling block in talks with international creditors.

Meanwhile, as government officials indicate that a technical-level agreement can be reached in time for a Eurogroup summit on April 7, European officials told Kathimerini that all agreedto measures must be approved in Greece’s Parliament before talks can begin on debt relief and the level of primary surplus targets.

In the wake of Interior Minister Panos Skourletis’s comment on Monday, describing as “cannibalism” creditors’ plans to sell off 40 percent of PPC power plants, several others spoke out. SYRIZA spokeswoman Rania Svigou referred to a broader effort to “maintain the public character of PPC.” Deputy Parliament Speaker Tasia Christodoulopoulou remarked that “this government cannot seal a deal that brings so much adversity.”

The mood is expected to get heavier as communities in regions that would be affected by the closure of power plants are planning protests as are unionists. Energy Minister Giorgos Stathakis sought to appease MPs’ concerns and is to visit Kozani on Friday.

Sources said decisions will be taken in the context of a broader deal with creditors even as bailout talks remain stalled. Government spokesman Dimitris Tzanakopoulos said he appreciated concerns about the impact of the delay but hit out at Bank of Greece Governor Yannis Stournaras for urging a swift conclusion to the review, accusing him of “politicizing.”

Meanwhile, coalition partner Panos Kammenos said the US could play a key role in Greece’s recovery, telling Antenna TV that “only America can help us.” “Those who helped us in our difficult times were not the Europeans,” he said, noting that the Marshall Plan – introduced by Washington to help rebuild economies after the Second World War – had no harsh terms attached to it.