Marinakis: Establishment of comprehensive regulatory framework for non-performing agricultural loans

The major problem of non-performing agricultural loans and the solution that the government is promoting through a regulation, which is to be included in a rural development ministry bill, was underlined by government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis at the press briefing on Monday.

"The provisions of the draft law are expected to 'provide relief' to more than 700 agricultural cooperatives and approximately 21,000 farmers," he said and added: "The main changes include the cancellation of part of the loan in the context of compromise solutions, the possibility of settlements based on the real financial capabilities of the debtors and the priority in the management of these cases by specialised managers."

Furthermore, transparency is enhanced by the obligation to submit business plans by liquidators to the Bank of Greece, while the new Special Liquidation Committee oversees the procedures, ensuring fair and sustainable solutions.

In addition to the regulations on bad loans, the bill includes a wide range of provisions that will strengthen the entire agricultural sector and contribute to a restart of the rural economy, he said.

Marinakis also referred to the bill of the health ministry aiming at the organization and operation of the National Trauma System within the structures of the National Health System, a long-standing request of medical personnel, which will be introduced for discussion on Tuesday by a plenary session of the Parliament.

In addition, he referred to the launch of the tender process for the rights to explore for and exploit hydrocarbons, following the expression of interest by the companies Chevron and HELLENiQ Energy. By decision of the Minister of Environment and Energy Thodoris Skylakakis, the exact boundaries of the marine areas for which this specific right is granted are determined.

The expansion of the IRIS direct payment system to all businesses is progressing, Marinakis added, so that legal entities can also accept mandatory payments from citizens through this system. For this issue, there will be a regulation in the bill of the finance ministry for the capital market, which will be put up for public consultation in the near future.

The government spokesperson also referred to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' programme. More specifically, on Wednesday, January 29, Mitsotakis will attend the ceremony of the Microsoft Data Centre.

On Thursday, January 30, the prime minister will attend the funeral of the Archbishop of Tirana, Durres and All Albania, Anastasios.