|
Press Releases
|
|
16.03.08 |
Liberal Alliance press release 25 February 2008
Liberal Alliance has published the European Commissioner's for Internal Markets Mr MakCreevy's response to the president of Liberal Alliance Mr Fotis Perlikos.
Commissioner McCreevy's letter (D/270 dated 6 February 2008) refers to Liberal Alliance appeal to the European Commission demanding the reversal of the Greek Government Law, which forbid private companies to own more than 20% of the shares of the Public Benefit Companies (DEKO).
Liberal Alliance submitted that this particular action by the Greek government violates directly the founding principal of the European Communities Treaty, for free movement of capital.
Commissioner McCreevy with his letter to Mr Perlikos states that 'I fully understand and share your concerns about the possible implications of legislation that might restrict the free movement of capital in the EU' and concludes by pointing out that: 'You can be sure that, if it is confirmed, that the measures taken by the Greek authorities, are not compatible with EU law, I will propose to the Commission to take all the necessary measures to correct any possible infringement to this fundamental Treaty freedom'.
Following the Commissioner's letter, Liberal Alliance submitted further legal arguments to the European Commission against the Greek Government actions. In particular, Liberal Alliance submitted a detailed report to the Internal Markets General Directorate and a memorandum to the Competition Directorat.
With the detailed report submitted to the Internal Markets Directorate, Liberal Alliance supports that Greek Government's actions violate Article 56 paragraph 1 of the European Communities Treaty (guarranting free movement of capital) and Article 43 of the EC Treaty (protecting the freedom to set a company in any country of the EU), as it discourages companies that may wish to come to Greece and invest to DEKO
With its memorandum submitted to the Competition Directorate, Liberal Alliance argues that the Greek Government's law violates, in addition to the free market rules within Greece, the conduct of free competition in European Union, especially Article 86 paragraph 1 of the Treaty. Liberal Alliance asks that Commissioner Croes proceeds in accordance with article 226 of the Treaty, which outlines penalties for breach of the above.
Liberal Alliance will continue with any lawful and political means available to promote the immediate and complete privatisation, of all the Greek DEKO. Liberal Alliance supports the opening up of the sectors of the economy, where DECO currently operate as monopolies, to Greek and foreign investors and ensuring fair competition in a free economy.
Liberal Alliance will continue to fight for the abolition of a state-led economic and political system which creates unemployment and corruption, obstructs investment and leads Greek youth to a stale deadend.
Only free economy within an open society can achieve prosperity and progress.
|
