Greece’s Minister of National Economy and Finance Kyriakos Pierrakakis launched a sharp attack against the opposition from the floor of Parliament, calling on them to support the government’s proposed settlement on non-performing loans under the Katseli Law.
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Pierrakakis: “You’re offside and you’re moving the goalposts”
Pierrakakis directed his criticism specifically at SYRIZA, pointing out that party leader Socrates Famellos had publicly called on the government to apply the Supreme Court’s ruling universally — which, he argued, is exactly what the government is doing, and then some. “You are in an extremely difficult position, because we are coming today and legislating beyond that — both universal application and retroactivity. You’re moving the goalposts. You’re offside and you’re moving the goalposts!” he said pointedly.
He went on to say that he expects the SYRIZA leader to vote in favour of the proposed measure, “since he was the one calling for universal application for everyone.” “The government is legislating something far beyond that — I eagerly await your yes vote,” he added with clear intent.
Famellos: “You’re creating a two-tier system for borrowers”
Responding directly, Socrates Famellos argued that the proposed amendment does not cover all borrowers, as it excludes those who either lost their debt settlement arrangement due to financial hardship or have already made payments.
“I had called for immediate and universal application to all cases that fall under the Katseli Law. You are obligated to apply it retroactively from the very first case included under the law. With full universality — for everyone!” the SYRIZA leader stated. He further accused the government’s economic team of creating a two-tier borrower system and applying the court ruling selectively, “protecting the banks and debt management companies.”
