Greek Interim Cabinet Decline Salaries

At the first meeting of the newly-elected Interim Greek Cabinet of Ministers all of its 16 members promised to give up their salaries as the country grapples with a political and economic crisis that could have effects far beyond its borders, Greek state TV reported on Thursday.

A caretaker administration led by senior judge Panagiotis Pikrammenos will run Greece until June 17 when the country will hold new polls. Pikrammenos was sworn in as Interim Prime Minister on Wednesday. The cabinet mainly comprises university professors, former ministers and diplomats.

“I would like that none of the government takes state paychecks. All of us have incomes from our main work, so I do not see any necessity in salaries for the work in these 30 days,” Pikrammenos addressed the cabinet.

The foreign minister in the caretaker government, veteran diplomat Petros Molyviatis, said that all interim ministers had agreed to forgo their salaries

The premier also urged the ministers to maintain modest lifestyles: “I would not like you to have limousines, lots of travels and suchlike things.” <Cihan>

news@theasian.asia