2024-04-09 05:50:28
His certainty that within 2011 the government will be forced to resort to early elections in order to escape from the wreck in its economic policy is expressed by Mr. Yiannis Vroutsis, deputy in charge of the Economy sector of New Democracy and MP for Cyclades.
At the same time, he emphasizes that the proposal of the ND for restarting the economy has begun to resonate widely with society because it is “realistic, workable and cost-effective.”
Q.: New Democracy announced its proposals for exiting the economic crisis. The government claims that some can be negotiated. Are you ready for her?
ANS.: The ND, even today in the opposition, chooses to follow the path of responsibility. He has a full sense of the seriousness of the situation. With the proposals he presented at Zappeio II, Antonis Samaras gives perspective and hope to the Greeks and at the same time paves the way for the government to utilize them. What prevents Mr. Papandreou from adopting some of them? Proposals such as the exploitation of real estate, privatizations, the legalization of the arbitrary, the reduction of expenses, the reduction of the deficit, the fight against tax evasion? Perhaps, however, his refusal is due to phobic syndromes based on his inability to clash with the deep PASOK of the trade unions. It goes without saying, then, that the N.D. he does what he can and what is necessary for the national salvation of the country.
QUESTION: A key component of the N.D.’s proposals. it is the restart in the economy through the restart of the building. Is the removal of “where are you from” sufficient for this, given that financial insecurity for the future is at its zenith?
AP.: It is known that construction, which traditionally constitutes a basic economic activity of our economy, has “frozen”. Today, the decline it presents is vertical, with negative effects on all sectors connected to it, and above all with the tragic increase in unemployment. The “pothen esshes” for residence does not punish those who made money in illegal ways. It punishes the Greek economy as a whole. That is why the strengthening of the construction sector with specific measures, such as the interest rate subsidy of 2 percentage points for the first home, the freezing of property values and the abolition of the “pothen esches” of any home for three years, is one of the seven steps which we believe must be done to restart our economy immediately. It is a step that will increase revenue and stimulate the market.
Q.: The removal of the “pothen esshes” and the amnesty of all funds proposed by the ND. it essentially rewards those who raised funds from tax evasion. Is this socially and economically fair?
ANS.: Certainly, it is not socially fair, however, in the situation we are in today, it is economically necessary. Essentially, this is a measure that deals realistically with the existing situation. It is not a reward for tax evasion, when today the tax collection mechanism is unable to deal with it. Nor can we hide behind our finger. We give only one year to return all kinds of assets (liquid and immovable) that went abroad. Our proposal marks a new beginning for everyone. The only exception will be the MPs and the ministers, since our position is to be immediately implemented and to examine the “whereabouts” of those who were ministers and deputy ministers from 1974 to the present. Beyond that, we should be ruthless towards those who do not comply and against tax evasion.
Q: Do you propose an immediate reduction in tax rates? The Troika, given the revenue shortfall, believes that this will be fiscally disastrous.
ANS.: The economic policy implemented by the government for 20 months has now been proven not to lead us to the desired exit from the economic crisis. On the contrary, over-taxation of businesses, high tax rates, criminalization of entrepreneurship have led to a vicious cycle of recession, without perspective. All critical economic indicators have derailed. The Greek people have been making sacrifices for a whole year which unfortunately have not brought any results. The proposal of N.D. for a reduction in tax rates combined with a 25% reduction in employer contributions sends a message of supporting entrepreneurship, attracting investment and increasing competitiveness. Finally, let it be understood that the exercise of tax policy is a development and not a collection tool.
QUESTION: Since the N.D. he thinks he has the best recipe for getting out of the crisis, why doesn’t he ask for an election in order to put it before the electoral body?
ANS.: The financial proposal submitted by N.D. it is realistic, workable and cost effective. It is a restart proposal for the economy, which has already found a positive response in the entire society. It is therefore an opportunity for the government, where it agrees, to make use of our own proposals. It is our duty, as official opposition, to say “Yes” to what is right and “No” to what is wrong. This is what we do and will continue to do. However, I believe that the government under the weight of its failures will be forced to lead the country to elections in 2011.
Q.: In the event that the government requests the passage of the Medium-term Fiscal Framework by an enlarged parliamentary majority, will you vote against it?
ANS.: Never in the past has an opposition functioned as responsibly in the national interest as the ND. today. Moreover, the presentation of our Program at Zappeio II proves this. Calling for political accountability is understandable and is already being done. Asking for a national consensus is perfectly justified, but it is also done by the ND. However, asking for consent to a wrong and dead-end policy is something that should not be done, first and foremost in the interest of our country. However, the prime minister should first seek consensus within his parliamentary group.
Q: The government may try to charge you for an early election if you vote against it.
ANSWER: It is absurd to require political support for a program that has proven to be a failure. Especially if it also includes new burdensome measures that reinforce the recession and lead to economic deadlock. But if the government decides to proceed with elections, it will not only have sole responsibility, but will also have admitted its failure. A fact, which the people will surely charge her.
Spyros Dimitrelis
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