Keep Talking Greece

Patras/Achaia: Several Areas in State of Emergency Due to Wildfires

July 18, 2012 1

The areas of Ano and Kato Kastritsi, Argyra, Sellia and Platani in the Achaia prefecture, Western Peloponnese, have been declared into a state of emergency after wild fires broke in the early morning on Wednesday. Firefighters struggle to extinguish the fire, while residents of several communities are fleeing as flames threaten their …

Greek Gov’t Hires an Army of 49 General Secretaries

July 18, 2012 2

A miracle happened overnight. The Greek government swelled and doubled itself.. After several days of consultations between the coalition government partners Nea Dimocratia, PASOK and Democratic Left, the names of the General Secretaries assigned to the country’s ministries were announced: An army of 49 people! 9 more than the 40 ministers. …

Greece Tracks Down Where to Cut 5.5 Billion Euro – Six More Billion Needed

July 17, 2012 3

Greece needs to find ways and save – or cut- expenditure of 11.5 billion euro for the years 2013-2014. In continuous meetings between Finance Minister Yiannis Stournaras with the political leadership of the ministries, the majority of the ministers were not able to find where exactly they could make the cuts. …

Newspaper Claims the Island of Ikaria Wants to Be Part of Austria

July 17, 2012 12

Bad taste? Extreme shortage of brain cells? I really can’t tell. Most likely it was boredom and a vivid fantasy. And maybe even a threat of work place loss should the journalist won’t come with a sensational story. But one thing is clear: dumbness has no borders! This time stupidity hit right on …

The Tax Bills of Horror – 5,5 Million Greek Taxpayers Must Find and Pay 5.1 Billion Euro

July 17, 2012 42

Friday night and six friends sit at a grill at a nice Athens square enjoying a cheap souvlaki meal and ice-cold beers. We chat about this and that and possible vacation destinations. No, my friends most likely won’t go for vacation this summer. The tax assessment bills they received in the last days …

Greece Full Switchover to Digital Broadcasts to Start Jul 20/2012

July 17, 2012 1

Did you buy already the device that will enable you to watch TV broadcasts in Greece also after July 20th 2012? The digital era of Digital TV (DVB-T) begins on that date with the full switchover from analog to digital broadcasts. While many modern television sets have integrated the necessary device MPEG4, owners …

Greek Delays Postpone Troika Visit & Progress Report? Bridge Loan ‘Til September?

July 17, 2012 Comments Off on Greek Delays Postpone Troika Visit & Progress Report? Bridge Loan ‘Til September?

While the Greek government struggles to find ways – read: austeirty measures cuts – and save 11.5 billion euro for the next two years, the Troika representatives seem to take their time. While it was expected that Greece’s lenders representative would start their visit to Athens on July 24th 2012, …

Who Celebrates 58. Birthday Today?

July 17, 2012 11

Well.. well.. well… Who celebrates birthday today? German Chancellor Angela Merkel. She is getting 58 years old. On her agenda there are no official appointments, no EU-summits, neither any visits by complaining Greeks and frustrated Spaniards. in typical OHM… gesture Angela Merkel uses to celebrate her birthday quietly, together with her husband, …

Strong Reactions As Workers Shut Down Acropolis Due to Heat Wave on Jul 16/2012

July 17, 2012 23

Hundreds of tourists were surprised, disappointed and angry to find the gates of Acropolis shut down on Monday noon. The workers had deliberately decided to shut down the Acropolis at 02:00 pm on July 16th 2012, “due to the heat wave” invoking the protection of visitors and working staff. The decision made by …

IMF: €2 Billion Hole – Greece Faces Bigger Deficit Targets Than Forecast – Spain too

July 17, 2012 1

International Monetary Fund said on Monday that Greece and Spain are facing bigger deficits than previous forecast. Of course, with such austerity measures and high unemployment, how can one expect Greeks and Spaniards to fill up state pockets? IMF: Spain, Greece Face Bigger Deficits Than Previously Forecast Spain and Greece, …

Travellers in Trouble? EU Has a Guide with Useful Tips for a Worry-Free Summer

July 17, 2012 Comments Off on Travellers in Trouble? EU Has a Guide with Useful Tips for a Worry-Free Summer

Anger with tour operator, airline or car rental company? Lost travel documents? Medical emergencies? Travelling with pets? Millions of travellers have thousands of questions. The European Commission has summarized the most important guidelines and useful tips for a worry-free summer holiday. With the holiday season already starting and millions of …

10+1 Golden Benefits & Privileges for 300 Members of Greek Parliament

July 16, 2012 16

A total of 20,203 euro is spent per month by the Greek parliament for each of its elected members: MP compensation, several open and hidden benefits, additional income through participation in committees as well as operational costs for their offices make it an expensive hobby for thousands of Greeks suffering …