For five “hot” issues that concern the Greek economy, the Ministry of National Economy and Finance is invited to take action this summer. These are, as they say, sources of the Ministry of Finance, issues that have been “stuck” for years, but it is now time to give a solution. It will be a “hard summer” for Kostis Hatzidakis, they say, but they add that the minister can cope with the difficulties, he is not afraid of political costs and that is why he runs these five hot dossiers at the same time. The files in the Minister’s office are as follows: The modernisation of eight public companies of the Trans-Team with the “model- PPC”, aiming to improve the service of citizens. The agreement to increase the share capital of Bank of Attica and merge it with the Bank of Greece, which creates the foundations for the creation of the fifth banking pillar. It is noted that the agreement was signed last Thursday and the relevant legislation has already been submitted to the House. LARCO. The Greek Defence Systems (EAS). The dispute between the Greek public and the Mandonakis Group over the Grand Resort Lagonisi. In particular: 1st file: “Model – PPC” in the public enterprises of the Superfund. It concerns the following companies: Greek Post Offices (and their 100% subsidiary: ELTA Courier). DETH – Helexpo. Organization of Central Markets and Fisheries (OKAA). Central Market of Thessaloniki (KATH). GAIAOSE. Greek Alykes. Anonymous Corinth Canal Company (AEDIC). OASA Group Athens Transport (OASA and its 100% subsidiaries: Road Transport – OSA and Fixed Transport – STAY). As the minister has said, following the model that led to PPC’s resolution and modernisation, the existing draft law provides for: The possibility of attracting executives from the private sector by simple procedure, based on decisions of the CEO of each company. To date the procedure provided for requires a long time, it is extremely bureaucratic and dissuasive for anyone who is seriously interested in claiming a staff position in one of the subsidiaries of the Trans-Fund. The term of office of the executives (general directors and directors) is increased from 3 years to 4 years with the possibility of renewal once. Flexibility in the remuneration of ELTA executives and other entities outside the General Government, while, in subsidiaries within the General Government (public transport and GAIAOSE) the fees will be in accordance with the EPKA standard. More flexible recruitment procedures of their staff, with a limited but essential role of the ASP: a review of the legality of the notice within 10 days and a participation of a member in the examination of objections during the recruitment process. More flexible supplies, according to Union law. The procurement rules shall be submitted to the EADSY, which shall be able to express an opinion within 60 days on its compatibility with European law. Establishment of independent disciplinary boards without participation of trade unionists. 2nd File: Attica Bank According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, two banks are being rescued with a bunch of “red” loans that are the result of unfortunate and controversial financing in the past, and with an uncertain future. Attica Bank and the Pangretian Bank, say, by the ministry, with the influx of funds from a public and private sector transformed into a strong pillar of the banking system, with increased capital adequacy indicators, operating on fully transparent private-economic criteria. It is indicative that the percentage of Attica Bank’s ‘red’ loans is currently 61.5% and the Pagretia Bank 53.5%, while after the implementation of the agreement the new bank’s non-performing loans will be less than 3%. As reported in an information report by the ministry, the production process of LARKO has been discontinued since the previous August, while on 12 May workers’ contracts should be discontinued, but there has been an extension due to the appeal of unions. Eventually the court ruling came out Friday and vindicates the government’s plan. So the contracts must be discontinued immediately and the workers must be included in the IPP support programmes. The competition is delayed due to appeals. If obstacles are overcome and there is a private investor in LARCO, time and investment will be needed for the company to reopen. 4th folder: Greek Defence Systems (NAS) The company, with accumulated losses of 1.8 billion euros, in 2023 had a turnover of less than 5m euros and losses of almost 30m euros. This week the agreement with Czechoslovak Group (CSG) is expected to be finalised. According to the ministry, EAS and Czechs secured 33m euros from the EU for the production of missiles and it is a matter of days before the agreement with the Czechs is concluded and they enter the EAS. Greek State dispute with Mandonanakis group This is the long-standing judicial dispute between the Mandonnakis Group and the EDF for the Grand Resort Lagonisi. According to ministry agents, the State is threatened to pay many million from arbitrations it has lost. Negotiations have started, but the issue, they point out, is quite complex and will delay any solution, if any.