Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis announced on Saturday that upcoming economic relief measures will prioritize Greece's middle class, small businesses, compliant taxpayers, and families.
Speaking during a radio interview on realfm with journalist Mr. Papagiannis, Marinakis stated that Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will outline the new policies during his address at the Thessaloniki International Fair.
Marinakis said that unlike administrations governing since 1980, the current government has generated increased tax revenues by reducing tax rates and returning the surplus to citizens. He added that after years of focusing on vulnerable borrowers, the state must now reward citizens who consistently paid their taxes and complied with regulations.
The new relief measures will be formally legislated in the December budget and will take effect on January 1, 2027.
Tax cuts and economic indicators
Addressing economic pressures, Marinakis acknowledged that previous tax cuts were partly obscured by inflation, the pandemic, and three international conflicts, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, he maintained that Prime Minister Mitsotakis has reduced or eliminated more tax rates than any previous leader.
Highlighting changes since 2019, Marinakis noted that property tax, known as ENFIA, was cut by half for insured homes and by 35% for others. Income tax rates dropped from 29% to 20%, while trade fees for individuals and self-employed professionals were abolished alongside reductions in 22 value-added tax rates.
Marinakis contrasted the current situation with 2019, when Greece ranked 27th in the European Union for economic growth, had 600,000 fewer jobs, and recorded investment at 10% to 11% of gross domestic product compared to the 20% European average. He noted that Greece is now growing at double the European Union average despite global crises.
Rejecting comparisons made by opposition parties and former prime minister Alexis Tsipras, Marinakis stated that generating permanent surpluses without overtaxation is the only way to sustain long-term relief.
Prepayments and presumptive income criteria
Regarding tax prepayments, Marinakis confirmed that tax advance rates have already been reduced from 100% to 50% for individuals and sole proprietorships, and to 80% for corporate entities. He stated that the prime minister is currently considering a further reduction in tax prepayments, though no final decision has been reached.
On presumptive income tax criteria, Marinakis said that government crackdowns on tax evasion through POS terminals and real estate monitoring have proven successful. Consequently, the government plans to gradually phase out presumptive income tax criteria for compliant self-employed professionals in a manner to be selected by the prime minister.
Energy policy and fuel subsidies
Turning to energy, Marinakis defended the decision made seven years ago to shift toward renewable energy sources and phase out lignite coal. He stated that this strategy gives Greece greater resilience and lower retail electricity prices than the European average, supported by recent consultations on local challenges in Western Macedonia. He noted the policy was based on sustainability rather than ideology.
On fuel subsidies, Marinakis announced that Prime Minister Mitsotakis will meet on Monday with Finance Minister and Eurogroup President Kyriakos Pierrakakis to review economic data and decide whether to extend monthly diesel fuel subsidies.
Parliamentary disputes and party politics
Marinakis explained New Democracy's decision to vote against SYRIZA member Elena Akrita's nomination for Parliament Vice-President, citing her history of toxic social media posts and public statements.
He traced the origin of such rhetoric to the 2010 indignant citizens square protests, where crowds erected gallows and labeled political opponents traitors. While clarifying that he never accused Akrita of personally calling for gallows, he noted that SYRIZA leadership championed the square movement to gain power.
Marinakis made an exception for SYRIZA MP Olga Gerovasili, stating she never adopted square rhetoric despite serving as a minister. He added that New Democracy would support an alternative candidate from SYRIZA who lacks a record of toxic behavior, noting Parliament can function without a vice-president.
Critical of PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis, Marinakis condemned PASOK for voting against Bank of Greece Governor Yannis Stournaras while supporting Akrita. He dismissed PASOK spokesperson Pavlos Tsoukalas's claim that PASOK votes for all non-far-right party nominees, noting that 24 of 32 PASOK MPs previously failed to support Michalis Chourdakis when proposed by Zoe Konstantopoulou, a candidate who later joined PASOK. He also referenced former SYRIZA figures now in New Left.
Maritime interconnection and national defense
Regarding the Great Sea Interconnector linking Greece, Cyprus, and Israel, Marinakis cited a report in Ta Nea newspaper confirming support from Greece, Cyprus, and France to end Cyprus's energy isolation.
He stated that the contractor will proceed as scheduled, with Greek authorities executing survey and cable-laying work within Greek maritime jurisdiction. He affirmed that international law requires notifying mariners for safety, but no permit requests from third countries are required or anticipated.
Addressing national defense and Turkish posture, Marinakis stated that Greece is stronger than ever in deterrent power and alliances despite three regional conflicts. He highlighted the Achilles Shield defense initiative approved by the Government Council for National Security, promising further details during Monday's press briefing.
Debunking fake social media claims
Finally, Marinakis addressed a fake social media post circulating online that opponents attributed to him regarding Alexis Tsipras. He clarified that the post is entirely fabricated and does not exist on his profile.
He noted that even if the alleged post were real, it was dated 2012 when he was a 24-year-old trainee lawyer holding no political office or role in the ONNED youth organization. Warning political opponents against ongoing defamation ahead of upcoming elections, Marinakis stated he reserves the right to pursue legal action to protect his reputation.
