“The government will soon proceed with initiatives for the banking system, which will be weighted». This was stated tonight by the Minister of National Economy and Finance Kostis Hatzidakis, in the context of a discussion at the forum organized by the “Economic Postman”.

These initiatives, as he said, will take into account citizens, businesses, society and the needs of the economy on the one hand and the need for a healthy banking system on the other. “Because when we didn’t have a healthy system, the taxpayers paid for it. We are not populists, nor do we have easy solutions for everything like some others“, he said, thus supporting the relevant statements of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in London.

The minister noted that the government monitors the procurement policy of the banks, since as he typically stated “we do not turn a blind eye to citizens who get irritated by certain excesses». He recalled that the government has not only encouraged banks to reduce fees, but has also taken legislative intervention to reduce fees on low-value transactions by 50%. In addition, in 2025 the IRIS system will be extended and made mandatory, ensuring zero fees for consumers and very low fees for businesses.

Beyond the issue of supplies, Mr. Hatzidakis emphasized that “we are concerned about competition, we have taken steps with the possibility for non-banking institutions to grant mortgages and some form of business loans”, as well as the issue of liquidity, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises and mortgage loans. “The government, he underlined, has a clear picture of what it wants from the banks and has the means to achieve iti”.

Moreover, in response to questions, he stated, among other things, the following:

  • There will be changes to the arrangement for the tax relief of rents from homes that are returned from short to long-term rentals. No, however, in the corresponding regulation for vacant properties, because expanding its perimeter would be unfair and unconstitutional.
  • The situation in France is not pleasant. We don’t point the finger or play the teacher, but whether we like it or not, we are all judged by markets and investors. We act on the basis of our experience, which is why we are determined to continue with fiscal stability and a pro-investment policy.
  • In the issue of extraordinary levies imposed on energy companies, Greece acted on the basis of European rules and common sense.
  • The government will proceed with further reductions in direct taxes. The effort to tackle tax evasion is paying off more than in any other post-colonial period. “We have,” he concluded, “in one year 1.8 billion. additional revenue with which we boost social spending, public investment and also allow us to proceed with further tax reductions”.