But now any concerns come across as little more than whining. There are other reasons for business to be satisfied with the new government. The coalition is proposing massive reforms to modernise an economy that for decades has been marked by over-regulation and high costs. It is also an economy that can be strongly resistant to change and technology, to which anyone trying to find a restaurant that accepts credit cards can attest. Holiday entitlements are to be tightened.
Efforts are also underway to strengthen state finances.
These measures include cuts in government spending by reducing the civil servant workforce, slashing subsidies and curtailing pension benefits. Revenue is to be boosted by increases in consumption taxes. On June 1, VAT was doubled on beer and alcohol. Tobacco and insurance taxes were hiked. Passport and identity card fees more than doubled.