Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis spoke to Live News about the OPEKEPE scandal, the Prime Minister’s announcements at the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), and Alexis Tsipras’ return with a new party. Initially, referring to developments around the OPEKEPE scandal, he emphasized that as the Prime Minister had stated about a month ago, the money that was taken illegally will be returned. “Asset freezes, seizures and their return to OPEKEPE under its new form and to the real farmers and livestock breeders who were deprived of them have already begun. We should not celebrate before the process is completed.
At OPEKEPE we indeed had to move faster on some things, despite the fact that we had already audited 5,200 tax registration numbers before the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, but legality everywhere, in a country that had and has many wounds, we are the only government that has turned this from a joke into reality. Many things have changed.”
Marinakis on TIF measures: “It will be the biggest tax reform for society because it will have the character of justice”
Regarding the measures to be announced at the TIF, the government spokesperson said we will not hear a package of measures but these measures will be part of a major tax reform.
“The money amounts to 1.5 billion euros, but in terms of interventions it will be the biggest tax reform for society because it will have the character of justice with emphasis on the middle class and families with children. The Prime Minister will announce tax cuts for all Greeks.”
On the 13th salary
Regarding the 13th salary in the public sector, he said there is disagreement between the government and the opposition.
“The government says this measure costs 1.35 billion euros and could reach 1.5 billion if public sector wages increase. PASOK says approximately 750 million. Is PASOK telling the truth that these are the net amounts? What it conceals is that to calculate how much a measure costs, in order not to exceed expenses, we cannot go above a certain amount, which is why it has remained at 1.5 billion euros.
Based on what the European Commission says, the 13th salary is approximately the entire TIF package. So if we accept PASOK’s proposal, neither freelancers nor pensioners will get anything. We will give to everyone.”
How he commented on Tsipras’ possible return
Regarding Alexis Tsipras’ return to the political scene, Mr. Marinakis stated: “Whether people will vote for us again has nothing to do with who our opponent will be, and I think this discussion concerns a small part of society.
First, because we are talking about a political figure that society has condemned with its vote. He is doing well and has his plans, but the success or failure of the government has to do with how quickly and effectively it will implement its commitments.”
