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Shock and surprise has arisen among the Greek community because of an article in the Sunday edition of "To Paron”, according to which in the period between 2004 and 2011 Prime Minister Lucas Papademos has paid only 511 Euros for taxes to the state, while his income was more than 2.2 million Euros.

The newspaper report indicates that during his term as vice president of the European Central Bank, Lucas Papademos received non-taxable income, which ranged between 250,000 to 311,000 Euros per year. The article was accompanied by heavy attacks and scathing comments: "These are the sacrifices the Prime Minister makes, while imposing unfair taxes on the poor, the unemployed, the retirees with 400 Euro pensions and requiring sacrifice of others."

The article also presents his income for each year, describing non-taxable and taxable income, and the corresponding tax. For the seven year period Lucas Papademos had a taxable income of 24,024.38 Euros for which he paid the corresponding tax of 511 Euros. The article also states that the Greek Prime Minister receives 1,400 Euros per month as a professor at the University of Athens - income that is also non-taxable. The author also raises the question of whether Lucas Papademos’ pension, which he receives as a former president of the Bank of Greece, is also non-taxable.

As to be expected, the article "exploded" like a bomb and was quickly disseminated throughout the electronic media. The answer came in the late afternoon from the press office of the Prime Minister and says that the information published in “To Paron” regarding the non-taxable earnings and other remunerations of Lucas Papademos in his capacity as Vice-President of the European Central Bank was explained "highly inaccurately".

And it continues: "All remunerations were taxed as they were supposed to be. However, the relevant tax must be paid directly to the European Union in the manner specified by the European Council decisions, and therefore is not included in the tax statement."

The Communication also states that although the income is not subject to further taxation at the national level, the Greek Prime Minister has paid all additional taxes that were imposed on Greek taxpayers over the past three years.

The press office explained that Lucas Papademos does not receive a pension from either the Bank of Greece or from the University of Athens. In conclusion, it stated that: "It is known that from the first moment of assuming the position of Prime Minister Lucas Papademos gave up all monetary compensation”.

At least until now these details remain the only ones, since the Prime Minister's office has made no attempt to prove the authenticity of their claims.