Bastian on the Troika's privatisation claim for Greece

In a thoughtful article for Kathimerini Jens Sebastian writes that the sharp reaction of Greek government to the troika's public announcement of privatisation targets should not come as a surprise. As the reform agenda is to become much more delicate, focussing on tax increases and structural reforms, the government risks outright refusal among the parties and constituencies. Also in practical terms, it is also not realistic to achieve asset sales in the range of €50bn by 2015. The central government does not yet have a fully operational and transparent property registration system, and land/real estate sales are still subject to controversial valuations.