Greek Civil Servants to Hold 24-Hour Strike Over Bailout Agreement

World » SOUTHEAST EUROPE | July 15, 2015, Wednesday // 11:03
Bulgaria: Greek Civil Servants to Hold 24-Hour Strike Over Bailout Agreement Demonstrators gather near the Greek Parliament during a rally against the government's agreement with its creditors in Athens, in central Athens, Tuesday, July 14, 2015. The eurozone's top official says it's not easy to find a way to get Greece a short-te

Greek civil servants are expected to stage a 24-hour strike on Wednesday to protest the bailout agreement, which was reached between the government in Athens and the eurozone leaders on Monday.

Greece agreed to implement strict reforms in return for a third bailout from its international creditors.

The strike, which has been called by public sector union ADEDY will coincide with the first round of voting in parliament of the new austerity measures, daily Kathimerini reports.

ADEDY also called on public sector workers to gather in front of the parliament building to protest the agreement.

More protests are anticipated on Wednesday as pharmacists and local authority workers are also among those opposing the proposed reforms.

Members of the union representing restaurant owners are also expected to stage rallies as they are against the planned increase of Value Added Tax (VAT) on their services from 13 % to 23 %.

Meanwhile, the bailout bill was submitted to the Greek Parliament on Tuesday with an urgent status, Greek Reporter informs.

The legislation comprises two articles – one contains the agreement reached during the Euro Summit, while the second features the new measures, which the government agreed to implement.

Among the new measures are extensive taxation schemes, including VAT reforms with 6 %, 13 % and 23 % rates, depending on the type of service and product.

Although the Aegean islands are set to lose their special VAT rate, some of the more remote islands will be able to keep it.

Certain luxury taxes will also be increased and there will be changes in the solidarity tax ranging from 0.7 % to 8 % depending on income levels.

Apart from taxation, the rest of the second article foresees reforms of the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT).

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Tags: greece, reforms, bailout, Eurozone, austerity, international creditors, civil servants, protest, Strike, VAT, taxation, ELSTAT

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