The president of SYRIZA answers the questions of Sia Kosionis
The leader of SYRIZA, Alexis Tsipras, gives a full interview to the main SKAI news bulletin and to Sia Kosionis.
Alexis Tsipras criticized the government for accuracy and energy prices, saying it was a deliberate decision by the government to keep prices high.
When asked about the proposals of SYRIZA and the cost of the proposals, he said:
“We have a process of redistribution of wealth, from the middle class, to some powerful ones. On the one hand we take from the taxpayer’s pocket, with the high VAT and with the other hand they give subsidies to keep the mechanism intact.
Public revenues increased by 7 billion, 4 billion from indirect taxes, which are mainly paid by small and medium-sized businesses. The money is taken from one pocket, they give him crumbs, in relation to the cost he pays and at the same time, those who were winning win. The more they give in subsidies, the more they win themselves.”
“We have proposed, in addition to the reduction of indirect taxes, for as long as the crisis lasts, to end the gratuity fee and to increase the tax-free allowance to 10,000 euros for all citizens. The cost is not 23 billion as the government says,” he said in a related question and added: “We believe in a fair tax system. I admitted that SYRIZA was forced to burden the middle class, but we had a memorandum and we had to stick our heads out.”
Regarding national issues, he said: “There is no doubt that the escalation of rhetoric is worrying. One reason is the internal issues, as Erdogan does not want the economy to be the first issue, but the threat and the war with Greece. But there is also the policy of creating a fait accompli. We didn’t capitalize on certain opportunities. In 2021, after the election of Biden, Trump, who had almost friendly relations with Erdogan, was gone. At that time, I had asked the government to link the customs union of Turkey, after The Hague. Badly then, Mr. Mitsotakis focused on strengthening the armaments. This is a part, but it does not solve the problem. A very important thing is the equipment adequacy of the country. We’ve reviewed equipment that pushes our budget too far. It is a set of events that creates this situation for Erdogan. Whether it has Erdogan or someone else, Turkey is a regional force to be reckoned with. It is not possible that every time we criticize, we are accused of being Turkophiles. We do not have a united foreign policy front, on the refugee issue, there is the rhetoric of the government that we are taking Erdogan’s side. We say about the weapons in Ukraine, they are with Putin. We say about Turkey, we are with Erdogan. There must also be disagreements. Wrong government in 2021. Wrong that the red line is six miles. Mr Gerapetritis said it and it was wrong.
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As a seasoned news journalist, I bring a wealth of experience to the field. I’ve worked with world-renowned news organizations, honing my skills as a writer and reporter. Currently, I write for the sports section at News Bulletin 247, where I bring a unique perspective to every story.
