“The government’s insistence on keeping a stable steering wheel on the economy means that this year we have a primary surplus” Minister of National Economy Kostis Hatzidakis emphasized to SKAI.

“The result will be greater than the already high target which was 2.1%” he said characteristically, predicting that it will reach 2.5%, possibly even more, while the total budget deficit will approach zero.

Asked where the government will allocate the surplus, the minister noted that already the Christmas bonus of 230 million euros is based on these budget performances.

Regarding bank commissions, he said that the small amounts have been reduced by 50%, while at the same time an expansion of the IRIS system is planned.

Cryptocurrencies

Since cryptocurrencies are an investment product, they will be taxed as is the case with other investment products, the Minister of Economy emphasized, adding that this will happen in accordance with the European framework and market rules. “We will proceed as quickly as possible” he said characteristically.

Asked about the OECD report, the results of which do not have optimistic messages for our country, Mr. Hatzidakis explained that this arises as “he compares us to countries like Denmark and Switzerland”. He said, that “in the previous 10 years these countries were rising and we were falling. Now some people with the memory of a goldfish come and find that compared to 2008 we are falling, that is when emergency measures were applied, salaries and pensions were reduced”.

Traffic fees

No extension will be given beyond December 31 to the payment of traffic fees, clarified the Minister of Economy, clarifying that with the change in the law, the fines will be proportional.

Tax exemption for closed apartments that will be put up for rent

At the same time he noted that there are 12 tax reductions in the new tax bill, such as the income tax exemption for 3 years for properties that will be rented out and were previously declared vacant.

For the tax exemption, the initial provision which has been put to public consultation defines a mandatory three-year prior short-term lease, which time is expected to be drastically reduced. On the contrary, the minister practically ruled out a corresponding time adjustment for closed apartments which will be transferred to long-term leases.

“We want to direct owners to long-term leases as one of the reasons for the increase in rents is also short-term” emphasized Mr. Hatzidakis.