The International Monetary Fund has decided to send two permanent officials to Athens to monitor the progress of tax collection and the crackdown on public spending , according to a report in Kathimerini.
There are fears that a lack of progress in boosting government revenues might lead to further austerity measures.
While acknowledging that the PASOK government has the political will to change the system, IMF officials are said to have doubts about whether the Greek governemnt is adequately equipped to implement the changes at the fast pace that is required, sources said to Kathimerini.
According to the same sources, IMF officials are concerned that the progress made while representatives from the Fund are in Athens immediately freezes once they leave.
The IMF is to dispatch two permanent officials – one an expert in taxation, the other in curbing public spending.
They are to work closely with the Finance Ministry in implementing reforms and will also provide advice where necessary.
There are also plans for another two IMF officials to subsequently relocate to Athens to “push for the implementation of reforms at the political level,” the sources said.
It is believed that officials from the IMF – as well as the European Central Bank and the European Union – are chiefly concerned about the government’s tax crackdown.
There are fears that a lack of progress in boosting government revenues might lead to further austerity measures.
Source: Kathimerini, AP