The president of PASOK, Nikos Androulakis, criticizes Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on the occasion of the decision to impose an extraordinary tax of 33% on refineries based on their surplus profits.

“Today the prime minister again declared “the end of precision” at a time when even in May when the rate of increase in food prices fell, food inflation was for the 11th consecutive month consistently above the European average (2.5% Greece , 1.4% EU)” says the president of PASOK in his statement.

He points out that “not even for a month since last year’s national elections, food price increases were not lower than the European average, while in our country the largest percentage decrease in of real income from work (-8.3%) in the period 2019 – 2023in relation to all EU countries according to INE/GSEE data”.

“I call on the Prime Minister to stop the communication breaks, to study the costed proposals of PASOK-Movement for Change to reduce the VAT on basic goods, extensive controls and the establishment of the Single Consumer Authority to shield the consumer movement against the profiteering of the multinationals” adds Mr. Androulakis.

“In the last pre-day debate on accuracy in Parliament, I directly asked Mr. Mitsotakis if he intends to impose the extraordinary solidarity levy on refineries and energy companies for the surplus profits of 2023, based on the relevant Regulation of the European Union. And if so, at what percentage – 90% or 33% as the government has chosen for the 2022 surplus – as well as what amount it expects to contribute to the state coffers? At that time, Mr. Mitsotakis did not answer.”

“The “bell” of the European elections brought extraordinary taxation. If it didn’t hit, the government didn’t have the political will to go ahead with it,” he notes.

Mr. Androulakis emphasized that “in the last decade, two mechanisms have been created to trap pensioners. The personal difference absorbed 7.75% of the pension increase and left out too many. But also for the rest, the solidarity levy came, with the result that any increases given are automatically limited.”

In closing, the president of PASOK stated that PASOK – Movement for Change proposes substantial and permanent support for pensioners, instead of -pre-election and/or post-election- “blue” one-off benefits:

  • A new EKAS for 350,000 low pensioners. Our proposal is economically measured, socially just and effective.
  • The abolition of the personal dispute, which New Democracy avoided despite its promises to implement.