Varoufakis to present sweeping reform proposal plan The Greek Finance Minister has arranged to meet with his British, French and Italian counterparts next week

Friday, January 30, 2015
http://www.tovima.gr/en/article/?aid=672210

The Minister of Finances Yanis Varoufakis is scheduled to meet with his Dutch counterpart Jeroen Dijsselbloem and the EuroWorking Group chief Thomas Wieser on Friday, where is expected to present Greece’s reform program.

Prior to the meeting, Mr. Varoufakis, along with the officers from the Finance Minister and Bank of Greece, worked on a “bridge program” that is within the framework of SYRIZA’s financial program, as well as being realistic and credible. Mr. Varoufakis’ plan is said to include specific proposals to increase revenue and combat corruption.

It has also been reported that Mr. Varoufakis’ plan has alternative proposal, indicating that the Greek side is prepared to have an open and meaningful discussion with the Eurogroup and Euroworking Group chiefs, who are well aware of the Greek economy’s dramatic situation. Mr. Varoufakis has been urged to consider the abolition of all exemptions in the tax and insurance system, as it could effectively solve the country’s fiscal problem.

Should this be the case, then the Tsipras government will be in the position to fund many of the social policy measures from its proclamations, as well as improving relations with Europe. Nevertheless, European officials appear skeptical at the prospect of the Tsipras administration canceling and reviewing a series of privatizations implemented by the previous government.

Mr. Varoufakis’ next meetings

Following his meeting in Athens, Mr. Varoufakis is scheduled to visit London on Monday, the 2^nd of February, for a meeting with his British counterpart George Osborne, to discuss the development of closer ties on European matters of mutual interest. Mr. Varoufakis will also meet with executives from the financial sector.

On Monday afternoon he will head to Paris for meetings with the Minister of Finance Michel Sapin and the Minister of Economy, Industrial Renewal and Information Technology Emmanuel Macron, who has officially stated that the Greek request for a renegotiation of its public debt is “legitimate”.

On Tuesday morning Mr. Varoufakis will meet with the Italian Minister of Economy and Finances Pier Padoan, to discuss macroeconomic progress in the Eurozone.