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First steps to reduce taxation

06 September 2014 / 17:09:32  GRReporter
1867 reads

Prime Minister Antonis Samaras presented a roadmap towards a New Greece with reduced taxes on fuel for heating and on real estate, as well as on the extraordinary solidarity tax, at the opening of the 79th Thessaloniki International Fair. Parallel to that, Samaras announced more tax relief provided that the primary budget surplus is not threatened.
The Prime Minister announced a reduction of the tax on heating fuel of 30% - while maintaining subsidies for heating, stating that the tax has not brought in the expected revenue, but instead ignited a major financial burden. Furthermore, Samaras announced a reduction of the single tax on real estate for non-electrified rented dwellings and said that, within a few years, there would be a return in relation to this tax and it would be the main income of local self-government. So local government will become a true engine of growth without depending on central government.

Without giving details, Samaras said that the draft budget for 2015 would include a forecast for more contributions in arrears and "significantly reduce" the special solidarity levy. According to the Prime Minister over-taxation was inevitable, but it would gradually end without jeopardizing the surplus.
Samaras also announced a reduction in taxes on the income of individuals from 42% to 32%, and a reduction in the taxation of companies' profits to 15%. All this will happen if the deficit does not reappear.

As far as debt is concerned, the Prime Minister noted that in a few months it would be confirmed that it is sustainable. Despite the fact that it is high, in absolute numbers it has begun to decline. Furthermore, when GDP increases, the reduction of the debt will be seen even more clearly.
Speaking of the uniformed officials who we “love and respect", Samaras said that the decision of the administrative court would be implemented as soon as possible.
The Prime Minister began his speech by stating that for the first time in the third quarter of 2014 the economy would have a positive balance after 24 consecutive quarters of decline, thus highlighting the rise in Greek bonds and the fall in interest rates.

"Greece is not looking at yesterday's wounds, it is looking forward to the new Greece which we are building. This year we are moving towards a steady rise in growth and a daily reduction in unemployment”, said Antonis Samaras.
Attack on SYRIZA
Delivering a vehement attack on SYRIZA, the Prime Minister accused the party stating that its members supported extremists and appeared as witnesses in murder cases. He also said that for years they have been covering the terrorists who torched Athens and who want the country to fail.
"However, this will not pass. People do not listen to them, although they are suffering", said Samaras. A party of democratic accountability is one that respects the rule of law, and not one that supports terrorists, not one that divides violence into good and bad, he added.

Early elections are political suicide
Samaras described the likelihood of early elections as political suicide, saying that it would ruin everything. He accused SYRIZA saying that after failing to overthrow the government it is now trying to do it by playing with institutions, and accused the opposition of demagogy and populism.
About Amphipolis
Antonis Samaras also mentioned the excavations at Amphipolis, stating that no one can say exactly what the Macedonian tomb hides. "But it's something big", he added. On this occasion the Prime Minister criticized the actions of Skopje where mock antique statues are being built, and where there are attempts to appropriate Macedonia and its heritage. Samaras stressed that "a lie has short legs".

Tags: Thessaloniki International Fair Antonis Samaras taxes SYRIZA Amphipolis
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