The Deputy Prime Minister made special reference to the relief and support measures announced at the Thessaloniki International Fair. “In October, salary increases for Armed Forces and Security Forces personnel will be implemented,” emphasized Kostis Hatzidakis in his interview on Action 24 television. “In November, the permanent allowance of 250 euros for low-income pensioners and rent rebates for tenants will be paid. A parent of three children with a salary of 1,500 euros will benefit by 1,650 euros annually from tax cuts, which is more than one month’s salary. For young people up to 25 years old, taxation will be eliminated, and up to 30 years old it will be 9%. The beneficiaries in one way or another – employees, pensioners, large families, island and village residents, young people – are more than 4 million citizens, and soon everyone will be able to see the measures that concern them through an electronic application,” he added.
Hatzidakis on Mitsotakis-Erdogan meeting: We want calm waters in the Aegean, which benefits both countries
Regarding Greek-Turkish relations and ahead of the meeting between Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Tayyip Erdogan in New York, Mr. Hatzidakis emphasized: “We don’t want to be in constant confrontational mood with Turkey. We want calm waters in the Aegean, which benefits both countries. But obviously any improvement in relations must come through respect for international law and firm support of our country’s interests. This will be the framework of the discussion that Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will have tonight with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan.”
“We follow,” he added, “a policy that is responsible, serious, far from shouting, but firmly and steadfastly supports national interests.” When asked about references to an appeasement policy, Mr. Hatzidakis questioned whether the delimitation of the EEZ with Italy and Egypt is appeasement, the program for purchasing Rafale jets, the four Belharra frigates we have ordered, the F-35 aircraft that strengthen national defense. As well as maritime spatial planning, ecological parks, the fact that Chevron came for hydrocarbon exploration south of Crete.
On Panos Routsis’ hunger strike
Regarding the political movements related to the creation of new parties, Mr. Hatzidakis noted: “I am in favor of a large New Democracy because I believe the country needs strong pillars to be governed. I believe in unity through different opinions that have always existed. Beyond that, I cannot impose on anyone whether to form a party or not. We must do our job and promote reforms. For example, right now we have an effort in universities regarding eternal students, an issue being addressed consensually. We have 175 mobile health units throughout the country. We have urban planning reform. We have a total of 25 different reforms in the second half of the year. This is what people voted for us to do.”
Finally, regarding the hunger strike being carried out by Panos Routsis in Syntagma Square, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized: “We all have great sensitivity for the Tempe tragedy, as well as for similar tragedies in Mandra and Mati. The issue must be addressed with humanity and according to the rule of law. It is not up to the government or the opposition to dictate how these rules will be applied. There are judges within the justice system who are competent. I don’t remember, for example, in the Golden Dawn trial, or in Mandra or Mati, positioning myself toward judicial officials to make one move or another. The same must be done here, let the competent authorities do their job. No one has less sensitivity than anyone else.”
