The same-sex marriage, non-public, non-profit educational institutions and economic policy they were the focus of the interview of the deputy minister instead of the prime minister Thanasis Kontogeorgison ertnews, Saturday night.

Introductory to the issue of marriage equality, Th. Kontogeorgis referred to what the Prime Minister had said, that is, “the conscience of every member of parliament prevails in this matter. In almost all the parties there are differing opinions or nuances, as well as within the government, of course”, he added, noting at the same time that “we are interested in the approval of the bill, but the path of abstention is an option”.

And, subsequently, “there is no question of the law’s unconstitutionality, and I think all the opinions of our constitutional experts converge on this.” In relation to what the Minister of State supported Makis Voridis, the deputy minister despite the prime minister stated that “the views of Mr. Voridis are known, he has a specific legal view and construction around the context, the family, how the civil code works. There is no legal issue, a systematic work has been done for several months on this matter. There is no question,” he concluded. As also for the positions of former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras on these issues, he replied that they are known.

On another current issue, for non-state, non-profit universities, he emphasized that “our country ceases to be an exception”, in addition that the upcoming bill “comes in addition to an upgraded public education that we seek”.

That is why he recalled “all the efforts made in the last four years, with the new law – framework for public education, with the financing issues and with the resources we secured through the Recovery Fund – about 1 billion to support higher education education and its other levels”. Therefore, he continued, “we are firmly oriented towards the public character of education but, at the same time, we must also look at non-profit, non-governmental institutions. There is a large exodus, about 40,000 young people to other countries,” he further explained.

After all, the non-state, non-profit institutions will operate under high conditions, he added, and, given these, “we will have a perfect public higher education system, so that every young person can make what he has in mind and wishes come true ».

Regarding the time of passing the bill, “consultation will follow and in February it is very likely – it also has to do with the legislative programming of the Parliament – it will be voted on. This national exception will close its circle”, he insisted.

At the same time, however, he commented that “what is done in the universities with the occupations does not bring honor to the education system, respect is also needed for the administration and the educational staff and the students”.

Changing the subject, “41% was a mandate to the prime minister and the government to move quickly on what we have to do, and to use that mandate with moderation and modesty.”

And, for the economic context, finally, “with the increases given to the public sector after 14 years but also with the increase of the minimum wage, with the unfreezing of the three years and other actions”, the government succeeded in strengthening “with a stable and permanent way of income”.

At the same time, “we have proven in previous years that where there is a greater need and as much as the fiscal environment allows us – because we must not repeat the mistakes of the past – we strengthen in the right way, systematically and targeted where there are greater inequalities, those who they really can’t face the crisis.” In any case, he added, “sustainable development is a key component to address these conditions.”

Asked why the government is not proceeding with a reduction in VAT, etc., as claimed by the opposition and institutions, the deputy minister, despite the prime minister, argued that “it is difficult to replace these taxes, fiscal income must be found, which means that cut from elsewhere”.

On the other hand, “many times these reductions do not reach the consumer’s pocket, because there are many intermediaries. And mostly where it was tried, in about ten countries, they all had to take it back as a measure.” Finally, “those who propose it should tell us where we should cut,” T. Kontogeorgis said in closing.