It has to be said that the timely move of the Greek government was correct.

Just four days later, on April 27, the last remaining major rating agency, S&P, did it, and this time it did it even more aggressively.

Standard & Poor's downgraded Greece's sovereign debt to B+ from BB- to B+, meaning that the probability of default is higher than that of BB, but the issuer can still afford to repay the debt. However, the deterioration of poor commercial, financial and economic conditions may weaken the issuer's ability and willingness to repay its debts.

This is a harsher wording than the BB level. That is, it is clearly pointed out that there is a possibility of default due to the subjective will of the issuer. In layman's terms, the issuer may owe money and not pay it back!

This level directly downgrades the credibility of the Greek government to the junk level!

"We must reach an agreement as soon as possible!"

At a meeting of parliament on fiscal deflation, Greek Prime Minister Papandreou excitedly mobilized, "Gentlemen, the second round of shock to our country is coming. As you know, although the European Commission provided us with a loan on an emergency basis to help pay off the debt due in May. But this is not enough, and if we do not carry out thorough reforms, the fiscal situation of our country and government will not be fundamentally improved, and even the EU may lose confidence in us, not to mention the IMF. ”

"If that were the case, we would not only lose the only partner who could support us, but we would also lose the entire European market, and we would even be forced to leave the eurozone. It can be said that the results were catastrophic and could not be tolerated by the entire Greek government and people. So gentlemen, this time, no matter how harsh the austerity policy is, please let it pass when you vote! ”

"Quite simply, you only have two options at the moment. One is 'the country goes bankrupt' and the other is 'saving the country'. Other than that, there is no third option. Greece has reached an existential juncture, and the government is now forced to make the decision to further cut people's incomes and benefits. These sacrifices will give Greece a breather and time to make significant changes. ”

"Wait, Mr. Prime Minister!"

A councillor pressed down the microphone in front of him and asked before Papandreou. "With all that you said, I want to know, what's going on with the new austerity policy?"

According to Papandreou's current statement, everyone here is aware that this new fiscal austerity policy will be a drastic change from the previous ones.

"Uh......"

Papandreou was silent for a long time, and finally did not answer the question directly, but explained sideways. "Gentlemen, the requirements given by the EU and the IMF are very strict. Despite our best efforts in negotiating, we still have to accept some conditions that seem very harsh to our people. ”

"What the hell?"

The congressman pressed the microphone again and unceremoniously accused, "I need to know the specific details and content, not listen to what you are talking about about objective difficulties." As for the difficulties, all of us here are well aware. ”

"Okay, this is the new austerity policy we've drafted!"

I looked around. Papandreou noticed that it was not just the councillor, most of the councillors present had cast him inquiring glances. Including the MPs of their party, it made him realize that he could no longer be sloppy. At that moment, he pulled out a thick stack of papers, held them high, and said to the crowd, "To put it simply, in this round of fiscal austerity. We will freeze wage growth in the public sector. At least until 2014! ”

"What?"

"Are you crazy?"

As soon as his words came out, it immediately caused an uproar below. Parliamentarians no longer care about etiquette and begin to discuss this policy.

"And that's not all!"

Papandreou sighed in his heart, knowing that once he announced it, it would definitely cause such consequences, but since he had opened his bow, he naturally had no turning back. He coughed lightly, barely holding back the chatter, and then went on to announce, "The public sector cuts are much more than that. Civil servants earning more than 3,000 euros per month will no longer be able to receive an end-of-year bonus. Those who earn less than this amount will receive a prize of 1,000 euros at the end of the year. ”

"Gentlemen, don't discuss it yet, there are other terms below!"

Before the parliamentarians had already fried the pan, Papandreou continued, "In terms of tax rates, we will increase the rate of VAT. In the fuel, tobacco and alcohol industries, we will also increase the relevant tax rates. In addition, the retirement age will be postponed accordingly, and the pensions received by retirees will also be significantly reduced. ”

"In addition, in the private sector, we will push for changes to the law to ease restrictions on layoffs. This move will help enterprises better get rid of cost pressures and develop better. ”

"That's all for this austerity!"

Papandreou said while the iron was hot, with a relieved look on his face, and said to the many councillors, "The specific terms and contents will be distributed to you soon." Gentlemen, you will have a week to decide whether or not to approve the plan. However, I need to make it clear in advance that if it does not pass the vote of the MPs on the 5th, the aid from the EU and the IMF will be suspended immediately. ”

"I disagree! I strongly disagree! ”

As soon as Papandreou finished speaking, an old man with gray hair stood up and said in a sonorous voice, "If this plan passes, it will mean that the entire Greek welfare system will fall apart. ”

"In addition, I would like to strongly protest your behavior of reaching an agreement with the EU first and then bringing it to parliament for discussion."

"I strongly protest that you are circumventing the procedure and oppressing public opinion on our sacred council," he continued. ”

Seeing him speak, many parliamentarians felt a tense in their hearts, and their brows wrinkled involuntarily.

Kestans. Karamanis, the leader of the NDP, is the largest opposition party. Not only that, but he was also a former prime minister and was once Papandreou's greatest rival.

He is 60 years old. It's the year of the sixtieth year. Despite his defeat before the election a few years ago, he still wields unparalleled prestige within the NDP.

"On that note, Mr. Karamannis, you need not worry too much. If our bill does not pass the parliament, the agreement with the EU side will also be null and void! ”

Papandreou explained lightly, "About that. I need to explain. My colleagues and I did not circumvent Congress, it was just a stopgap measure. All the results depend on the gentlemen here, and on yourselves. ”

"I'm still firmly against it!"

Without hesitation, Karamanis retorted, "Even so, I'm against it. Gentlemen, do you understand what this is all about? ”

He stood up tremblingly, pointed to Papandrio, and said, "Gentlemen, do you know how the situation has come about? Not bad. That's what this government is doing, and everything today is the fault of this government. And now he and his colleagues are trying to push this fault onto the people, to the great Greek people. You say, there is such a government? Is there such a prevarication? ”

"Gentlemen, this is not the time to discuss austerity, but how to hold this government accountable! If they are still on stage, the problem will continue. Corruption, inaction and other troubles remain. Not only will I not agree, but the NDP will not either. Even tens of millions of Greeks will not say yes! ”

"I recommend that impeachment proceedings be initiated immediately and that the current government be held accountable in its entirety. A vote of confidence will be held on that basis, and the decision on the resignation of the Prime Minister will be determined by the results of the vote. Gentlemen, we are parliamentary representatives, representing all walks of life. Don't forget our mission. We are here for the well-being of the people of this country, not for the exploitation of them over and over again. ”

After saying that, he ignored Papandreou, whose face was as heavy as water, and resolutely brushed his sleeves away.

With his departure, many members of the New Democratic Party also stood up. He left without looking back. Suddenly, the entire venue was half empty.

"It's finally over!"

Just after he left, many people secretly breathed a sigh of relief. As expected, the austerity plan inevitably descended into partisanship.

But even if Karamanis walks away, the plan may eventually pass in Congress, after all, Papandreou's party is now the largest party, holding a majority of seats in Congress. But whether it will be implemented smoothly in the end, what kind of reaction the people will have, etc., these are all real questions.

The hearts of all of you here are heavy.

……

"Pick up the heads of the three major associations for me!"

Angry, Karamanis returned to his office and yelled at his assistant, "God, they're so deceitful. ”

The young assistant originally wanted to say a few greetings, but when he saw Karamanes' iron-blue face, he immediately shut up very knowingly and quickly picked up the phone.

It didn't take long for Zhong Shi to meet a few days ago, and the three union presidents were all waiting online.

"They're going to do it!"

Karamanis was still furious, but his tone softened a lot as he spoke to the trio, "They're going to launch one of the toughest austerity programs in history." Not only civil servants, but also private companies are involved. ”

Without waiting for the three of them to ask anything, he took the initiative to talk about the content of the congressional ventilation meeting.

Naturally, all this is not illegal. Because soon, the news will spread throughout Greece.

"What the hell are they doing here?"

Christodor. "This program offends not only the working community, but also the civil service community. Do they really expect this plan to be carried out smoothly? ”

The other two didn't speak, still digesting the news that had shocked them.

"That's the way it is!"

Karamanis continued, "We're going to do our best to snipe, but because they have a huge majority in Congress, there's a good chance of it passing." So I need you guys to do something, something that might change the actions of some of the councillors! ”

"A nationwide general strike?"

Christodor. Samaris understood instantly, and asked tentatively, "Is that so?" ”

"That's all there is to it!"

Without hesitation, Karamanis replied, "I will persuade the other unions besides you." God, the innocent Greek people must not be allowed to pay for the mistakes of the government. This is absolutely inadmissible, this is a blatant crime! ”

Naturally, the three of them all agreed to it. It is impossible for them to do nothing about things that affect the interests of their own class.

"Is everything Zhong Shi expected finally going to happen?"

The three people who hung up the phone all thought in unison. They have added a new layer of understanding of the predictive ability of international financial players.

With this realization comes a deep fear that continues unabated. (To be continued.) )

PS: Thank you book friends apo11o and Nanquan 99 for voting for the monthly pass! Thank you electromagnetist for your continued tipping! Thank you very much for your active support, and I finally see a little hope. I hope that all book friends will make persistent efforts, at the end of the month, this paragraph will continue to vote, do not forget to vote for the recommendation of those who do not have a monthly ticket, I hope this book can come out of the downturn as soon as possible, the results of this book need to be worked together, thank you very much~