Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis began his interview with SKAI and on the program “Kalimera” with Faye Mavragani, with the deadly floods in Valencia and how well protected Attica is in these types of phenomena.

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“We are all shocked by the pictures in Valencia and the tragic loss of human life. What we do know is that early warning systems, such as 112, did not work. There are weather phenomena that can exceed the capabilities of any infrastructure. But I know that the first priority of the state must be the protection of human life,” he said.

“We have inculcated a culture of evacuations through 112. Unfortunately, this has been undermined this year as well. I prefer to use 112 unnecessarily once, than to be in a situation where we could have alerted citizens to at least protect themselves,” he added.

Asked if Attica is protected against these types of phenomena, Mr. Mitsotakis emphasized that today he will have another meeting with the Regional Governor “to see the progress of the interventions that are being made in the anti-flood protection of the capital. The cleaning projects of Kifissos are progressing at great speed. Obviously, these are not enough, but the cross section of Kifissos cannot be changed from one moment to the next. What we can do is ensure that Kifissos will be clean in a heavy downpour. The same will apply to the rest of the streams, in combination with a series of anti-flood interventions that are carried out throughout the basin”.

“There is a plan and it is being implemented. Obviously, we need to spend more resources on flood defenses across the country. This brings us to the discussion of how ready we are to adapt to the conditions of the climate crisis. That is why we are spending more than 2 billion euros on Civil Protection. I have also highlighted at the European level the need to have more European resources”, he added.

About the explosion in the Vineyards

Regarding the explosion in Ampelokipi, Mr. Mitsotakis said: “I have complete confidence in ELAS and especially in the Anti-Terrorist Service, to investigate this phenomenon. It is true that there are remnants of terrorist cells in the country. This culture of anti-authoritarians, which for several years we have tolerated without doing anything to curb it, can very easily lead to thoughts of a molotov turning into a bomb. Every such incident gives the Anti-Terrorist Service an opportunity to find out more quickly what it already knew and was watching.”

For minimum – average salary

“In 2019 we received the minimum wage at 650 euros, in 2027 it will be at 950 euros. An increase of almost 50% and we will be absolutely consistent with that. In the second four-year period, our first priority must be to increase wages, not only the minimum wage but also the average wage”, stressed Mr. Mitsotakis and estimated that in 2027 the average wage will be over 1500 euros. “The average full-time salary has exceeded 1400 euros. So the wage trend is very encouraging. And this is also the best answer to stubborn accuracy. Because at some point price increases stop, but wages will continue to rise. This is the only way disposable income is reduced, in combination with tax cuts.”

“After 2027, the way of calculating the minimum wage changes. By law it cannot be reduced and takes into account inflation for the poorest 20% of households. It also drags down the salaries of civil servants. It also takes into account the productivity of the economy,” he added.

For collective agreements

Regarding collective agreements, he said that “we must increase the percentage of wages determined through collective bargaining, citing very successful examples, such as in tourism.”

“We are supporters of free collective bargaining and our goal is to increase the percentage of wages that will be determined by them,” he added.

To reduce taxes

Regarding taxes, Mr. Mitsotakis emphasized that “the government intends to reduce taxes”, underlining that “there are 12 additional tax reductions in the budget”.

“NSE emergency services, independent taxation at 22%. Definitive abolition of professional tax in 2025. Readjustment of self-employed taxation and many more – some of which also have to do with property taxation – reductions. A package of tax cuts that prove that as long as the economy is doing well and public finances are stable, we have the ability to cut taxes,” he added.

Regarding tax evasion, Mr. Mitsotakis commented “When a few steal from the state, this is at the expense of the many. We have taken significant steps to curb tax evasion. Also using digital technology. And digital transactions help us reduce tax evasion, especially in VAT,” he noted.

On the government’s intervention for freelancers and whether it cost the government, he said there was definitely a cost. “The government proves that it intends to proceed with interventions that are good for the entire economy. If someone feels that he is wronged, he can ask and find his right,” he said.

He added that in December there will be emergency relief for pensioners who did not see increases due to a personal dispute. “Personal difference is the last memorial tax. We have it on the table. It will depend on the course of the economy,” he said.