At dramatic developments in the Middle East and their possible effects on the Greek economy said the Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance, Haris Theocharis, in an interview.

Speaking to “Mega”, Mr. Theocharis underlined that “in the short term, there is no doubt that the markets will react violently. Now in the first days we will see increases, as long as there is at least concern and doubt about the development of the situation. However, the analyzes are reassuring and it is very important for the way things are going that this is confirmed and evolves in the direction of non-escalation or even better de-escalation. We, on our part, it is important not to accept unjustified increases in fuel stocks that have already been invoiced and taxed” and continued by saying that “the State has the mechanisms to do the checks. It is obvious that this period, when there is turmoil, is the period when all mechanisms must be alert. Either they are related to profiteering or they are related to tax evasion. In the coming days, the levels of AADE and DIMEA will be on the streets to carry out checks”.

On the issue of allowances in the run-up to Easter, he emphasized that “we are close to the citizen, when the possibility exists and the conditions allow it and we have proven it in the last five years. At the moment, there is no thought in the government to give any aid, but that does not mean that we are not monitoring the situation. We’re watching it from both sides. Let’s see the budget implemented, after 3-4 months have passed, as the budget of the first two months, is the revenue calculated from the last installments of the previous year’s taxes. The country is still in fiscal adjustment and we should not be led to decisions with voter-hunting plans. We must be useful. It makes no sense to miss our targets and be forced to take action after the election. That is, before the elections, at Easter, let’s be good and come in June and July, and take measures to pick up the slack”, added Mr. Theoharis.

Finally, the Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance was mentioned on the issue of POS and their interconnection with cash markets and thanked the market people for their response so far. In relation to the possibility of imposing fines on those who have not taken the necessary actions, he noted: “You give the leeway, as long as there is progress. If there is relaxation and nothing is done, there is no point. That’s why I hope the market will continue at the same pace.”