In an unprecedented act of self-contradiction, ruling PASOK MPs joined their opposition colleagues in criticising the draft 2011 budget but voted in favour of it when it was voted on last weel, following the customary three-day debate before the Christmas recess.
The government has been facing increasing social hostility over austerity measures from opposition parties and unions. The latest in a wave of strikes and work stoppages this month saw all public transport halted in greater Athens on December 22.
Skeptics within PASOK have publicly criticized the reforms as unfairly hurting the poor.
MPs, including the former EU commissioner and veteran socialist Vasso Papandreou, have complained openly about the “breakneck” speed of reforms that have seen workers’ rights, won over the course of decades, rolled back overnight.
Many fear that, with tolerance fading fast (civil servants and pensioners have seen incomes drop by 20%), Greek society could soon implode.
Party veteran Vasso Papandreou said the successive cuts by the government were “strangling society,” but said she would vote with the government.
“Does this mean we are talking about a credible budget that will be executed with precision and will get us out of the impasse?” she told parliament. “My answer is no.”
Ruling party deputy Ektoras Nasiokas joined the chorus of critics against the government’s budget. “The numbers do not add up, as the country is in deep recession and there are no policies to confront this situation with outlets of economic growth,” he said.
“I am giving the government a last chance,” said Pasok deputy Thomas Robopoulos, after criticising the draft document for reflecting policies forced on Greece from abroad.
Veteran Pasok MP and renowned heart surgeon Dimitris Kremastinos commented: “If social reactions to our policies continue next year, we shall need a national unity government to cope with the crisis.”
Prime Minister George Papandreou’s ruling PASOK party forced the legislation through, with all 156 of the party’s members in Parliament’s 300—seat lower chamber voting in favour, to 142 votes against by conservative and communist opposition parties.