The full interview of the Minister of State Akis Skertsouin also focused on issues tax policy and the conflict with the official opposition.

Specifically, Mr. Schertsos said:

“We are a government that cuts taxes, no one can accuse this government of tax evasion or a hidden tax agenda, as they can easily accuse the SYRIZA and the PASOK. To date, this government has reduced 60 taxes, direct and indirect.” After all, “our economy is doing better, investments are doing better, jobs are growing thanks to the pro-investment and fiscally sound policy we are implementing. Another 12 taxes will be reduced with the budget that will be voted.”

Then, after acknowledging that the ratio of direct/indirect taxes in Greece is “really problematic”, he argued saying that “we are an economy with a narrow tax base, with extensive tax evasion. We were, this is something that is being fixed.” However, the more the tax base expands, “the more we will be able to make bolder and bolder moves, possibly also in indirect taxes. This government has reduced 23 indirect taxes since 2019”, he reminded.

While, after calling PASOK’s proposal for the VAT on food “irresponsible”, he said: “Indeed, in 2019 the ND had made a proposal to reduce the VAT, which was not repeated in 2023 when it was re-elected”. “We saw that where it was implemented, it did not bring results. It did not reach the final consumer, it was wasted money, which goes to middlemen and into the pockets of businessmen”, he noted, citing the experience from Spain.

In his criticism of PASOK, he also argued that “it applies a maximalist policy in terms of its declarations and unsubstantiated to a large extent, as long as it is in the opposition. We see what happens, however, when one of its executives, such as Mr. Duke, takes command. Increases municipal fees. Mr. Doukas was elected with a program to reduce municipal fees – as PASOK now says, irresponsibly and frivolously, that it will reduce VAT – and he has come and increased municipal fees.”

According to Mr. Scherzo, the dividing line between the parties now, is between “responsibility and irresponsibility – populism”. “We are a force of responsibility, what we have managed to do is reduce 72 taxes”, he emphasized and pointed out that the tax revenue “in 2019 was 50 billion. and in 2025 it will be 70 billion”.