IMF intercedes on barber's behalf

Kerkyra barber Spyros Priftis became known to the Greek public when the European Commission informed him it would intervene on his behalf to give him the possibility of opening a barber shop on his native island.

The whole thing became an issue when Mr Priftis was barred from opening a barbershop as the law in force at the time disqualified him, because, despite being a graduate of a barber's college, he had to have two years prior experience.

The Commission ruled on the case and the law changed in 2013, simplifying procedures and requirements for opening up such business establishments, but presidential decree 133/2005 that ordered the two year experience limit still stood.

This time, Mr Priftis took up the issue with the IMF representatives in Athens, which retorted a few days ago that it was collaborating with the Greek government to curtail prerequisites to open a barber or hairdressing establishment.

As concerns the recognition of professional qualifications, the IMF counseled Mr Priftis to address the Commission because it has the experience and the jurisdiction to counsel national governments on the basis of EU norms and regulations.

In his own correspondence to the IMF, Mr Priftis notes that he even contacted commissioner Olli Rehn's office in an effort to “open up” his profession further.