Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on Wednesday announced a series of measures to support businesses hit by the continuous rioting in the past days, stressing that the extensive damage was the result of "destructive fury and raw violence by extremist groups."
The measures included an immediate relief payment of 10,000 euros for small and medium-sized enterprises, a state grant of 50 percent of certified damages between 10,000 and 200,000 euros, and subsidized 15-year loans for the remaining 50 percent of certified damage that will be guaranteed by the state and will also be available to firms that do not belong to the above two categories.
In addition, he said that the government would arrange for 15-year loans on favorable terms to restore damaged buildings, five-year loans on favorable terms for working capital, a three-month suspension for stricken businesses of their outstanding debts to tax offices, social insurance funds and banks, and the payment of salaries, Christmas bonus payments and social insurance contributions for the employees of all businesses unable to operate until Dec. 20.
"We walk the path of national responsibility. We call on all the political forces of the country to walk alongside us, all social bodies, all citizens," Karamanlis said.
The prime minister condemned those who participated in the riots, saying, "The rioters, through their actions, have once again proved that their only inspiration is destruction. That their target has always been social tranquility, legality and democracy itself. For this reason they are isolated."
He underlined the government's determination to assist the victims of the violence, for the most part small and medium-sized enterprises that were already reeling from the impact of the global economic slowdown.
"We will not only entrench a feeling of security for all citizens but help all businesses that have suffered damages. Help them stand on their feet. Keep their staff. Work without problems during the upcoming holiday season," Karamanlis said.
The prime minister stressed that the government was responding to the challenges of the times and the "cries and whispers of demagogues and populism" with acts of "responsibility and real substance" that produce tangible results.
Source:Xinhua
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