AVGI

The death of industry


The recession and high cost of energy is turning the country into a graveyard of empty factories. After the steel producers the aluminum sector is sending out an SOS. On the ‘chopping block’ are textile plants, paper plants, pharmaceutical plants and fertilizer plants. Thousands of workers are facing the spectre of unemployment.

The end of heavy industry in Greece is in sight at the same time that the Samaras-Venizelos government is fooling itself and others that with the full implementation of the ‘OECD market reforms’ they will achieve greater competitiveness and economic growth.

But the reality is unforgiving. The memorandum policies that have caused the recession, a collapse in the markets and in demand have brought big names in Greek industry to the brink of closure and the serious threat of unemployment or underemployment for tens of thousands of workers. Furthermore they weaken the productive power of the country and thus reduce the prospects for recovery even in the medium-term.

Halyvourgia, Halyvourgiki [the two major Greek steel producers – read TPPi’s coverage of the sectors problems here] Viohalco, Halcor, Diana, Delica, Nutriart Katselis, LARKO are just some of the industrial giants that are counting their wounds. 

KERDOS

China and the Emirates searching for new investment opportunities

Airports, ports, energy and tourism are the sectors drawing attention

  • The Chinese Shenzhen Airlines is flirting with Athens Airport El. Venizelos
  • The Chinese are also showing interest in naval yards

Up to three new investments by the United Arab Emirates in Greece in the energy, tourism and construction sectors may be announced during the April meeting of the Greece-UAE ministerial committee. At the same time China is stepping up its interest in the Greek market, particularly in the area of infrastructure.

EFIMERIDA TON SYNTAKTON

What 8 German doctors who visited our country saw:

You remind us of Iraq!

  • Amputations for diabetics because they were treated soon enough.
  • Cancer patients suffering metastases after not receiving correct treatments.
  • Unemployed individuals losing their homes because they have no money pay for treatment.
  • Mothers with small children living in homes with no electricity.


Eight German doctors who visited Greece are returning to their country shocked after having seen firsthand the state of affairs in National Health System hospitals which they say resemble those in a war zone.

“If anywhere else such savage austerity had been implemented society would have collapsed,” they said indicatively. However they were filled with hope by the support they witnessed provided by the networks of volunteer community clinics.

At the same time the Health Minister is shutting the national EOPYY clinics for at least one month. 

TA NEA

The leaky bank accounts of NGOs

The audits by inspectors and the lists of funding sources

The audits into NGO funding which have begun over the past few years are uncovering indications of wrongdoing in numerous ministries. Over 600 NGOs are under the microscope according to statements made to ‘Ta Nea’ by the Public Administration Inspector Leandros Rakintzis. 

IMERISIA

The capital in 2016

Impressive images are included in the plan for the renovation of Panepistimiou and Patision Avenues and Omonia Square

It is expected that construction will begin by the end of 2014 on the ambitious Rethink Athens project which will transform the center of Athens. Omonia will be turned from a roundabout into a square, more greenery will be planted and a rainwater collection system will be installed that will gather 14 million liters per year.