Measures benefiting pensioners not a ‘pre-election’ move, says minister

A package of measures benefiting low-income pensioners announced by PM Alexis Tsipras on Thursday were under no circumstances “pre-election” provisions State Minister Alekos Flabouraris told state radio ERT on Friday.

Commenting on the Greek premier’s announcements through a televised address to the nation on Thursday, Flabouraris said the coalition did not need to get permission from the country’s lenders for the measures and said the funds came from an over 1 billion euro surplus. "They didn't have the right to say no to us," said Flabouraris.

The minister said that those pensioners receiving up to 850 euros per month would receive the special supplement on December 22.