A change of leadership has taken place in the critical portfolio of tax policy, against the backdrop of the implementation of the next reform steps in the economy.

The handover ceremony – handover of the portfolio of the Deputy Minister of Finance, responsible for tax policy issues, from the outgoing Deputy Minister Giorgos Kotsiras to the new Deputy Minister Dimitris Markopoulos.

The new Deputy Minister emphasized that the government’s policy is to continue tax cuts, noting that 83 taxes and contributions have been reduced in recent years, with the fiscal cost of these relief measures amounting to approximately 9.5 billion euros annually. He also referred to recent support measures amounting to 500 million euros, as well as interventions regarding income from real estate and standard of living allowances.

George Kotsiras, for his part, stated that, for him, a creative cycle at the Ministry of Economy and Finance is coming to an end and a new one is beginning at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, expressing satisfaction with the work that has been accomplished. He thanked Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis for his trust, as well as the ministry’s political leadership and staff, noting that human resources are a key pillar of effectiveness.

He emphasized that during his tenure the focus was on creating a more user-friendly tax system, combating tax evasion, on strengthening the digitization of tax administration, and on reducing the tax burden. While emphasizing that the Greek economy is on a positive trajectory and expressing confidence that the effort will continue under the new deputy minister, to whom he wished every success, noting that he can contribute to further strengthening the results.

Markopoulos: “Tax cuts are a priority”

The new Deputy Minister Dimitris Markopoulos described taking on his duties as a great honor, thanked the prime minister for his trust, and pledged to work intensively, emphasizing the continuation of government policy.

As he emphasized “that is exactly what we have come here to do. Popular politics means indisputable tax cuts. Permanent tax cuts. And we will champion these vigorously and without fear. With arguments. With the doors of my office wide open. Directly with society. With all social, institutional, and productive bodies,” as he emphasized.

Setting priorities for the tasks he is undertaking, he emphasized “openness” toward society and fiscal stability. Mr. Markopoulos noted that the ministry’s policy priorities are:

  • supporting households and productive entities.
  • maintaining constant communication with society and institutions.
  • cooperation with the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE).
  • ensuring fiscal stability.

At the same time, he highlighted the importance of the country’s international standing, saying: “What greater proof of the economic success of Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s government than the fact that we have a Greek President of the Eurogroup? Kyriakos Pierrakakis, President of the Eurogroup, is a politician of the future, a politician who engages with his era, the 21st century, a politician with a clear vision and an already evident track record of success in a series of political and government posts he has held. “It is therefore the responsibility of all of us—and of me, as I assume my duties today—to strengthen the government’s efforts.”

In closing, he emphasized that the goal is to continue the economic policy with a focus on effectiveness and support for citizens, expressing his intention to work closely with his predecessor.