Greek government announces immediate closing of TV and Public radio

Today is the last day of issue in ERT, whose emergency workers gathered to analyze the situation. Decision was imposed by the troika, whose representatives are in Athens.

The Greek Government today announced the immediate closure of the public television and radio, ERT, which will lead to the dismissal of 2700 people.

"The ERT is a case of extraordinary lack of transparency and of incredible waste. This ends now," said the spokesman of the government, Simos KEDIKOGLOU, at a press conference. "The ERT ceases to exist after the close of the issue tonight. Instead, start working as soon as possible a public body, modern, with much less staff," he added.

According to the Greek press, the ERT currently has close to 2,700 employees.

The spokesman said the workers will be fired and compensated and may apply for a job in the new organization.

"The government is willing to sacrifice the public radio and television to meet" the demands of international creditors (European Commission, European Central Bank and International Monetary Fund), the union said in a statement the ERT.

The trade union of public administration, ADEDY, described the closure of the public broadcaster as a "coup".

On Monday, representatives of the troika in Athens started more regular evaluation of the implementation of austerity measures and structural reforms demanded in return for international loans.

The reforms demanded by the troika include a drastic reduction in the number of civil servants, 2000 until the end of this month, and the merger or closure of public bodies.

ERT workers gathered in the General Assembly, as a matter of urgency, to review the situation, according to EFE.

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