The TIF “package” will be finalized in August, which, as emphasized by Kostis Hatzidakis, will primarily aim to reduce direct for citizens and supporting the vulnerable.
“Last year,” the Deputy Prime Minister recalled in his statements to SKAI, “we relied on additional revenue from growth and the reduction of tax evasion, we abolished taxes for young people aged 20–25 and reduced them by 50% for those aged 25–30.”
He explained that “the TIF package will be as large as possible, but have no doubt that the opposition will certainly promise much more than New Democracy. We will promise the least and we will deliver on everything. People know this, which is why I believe New Democracy will do well in the upcoming elections.”
He made it clear that “since 2019, we have been moving forward with prudence, common sense, and steady steps. We are not miracle workers. If some people are looking for miracles, they should look elsewhere. Let them go to the opposition parties that keep coming back with the same populist formulas and lies.”
New Democracy remains the only political force on which the country can rely
He specifically noted regarding the opposition’s stance: “We have an opposition characterized by toxicity, hostility, far-fetched theories in some parties, and populism that goes beyond all limits.” He cited as a prime example promises made by Mr. Androulakis regarding free public transportation for young people up to 24 years of age, which Mr. Tsipras outbid with a promise of free public transportation for everyone. “These are not serious matters,” emphasized Kostis Hatzidakis. “Whatever one may hold against New Democracy, it remains the only political force on which the country can rely to move forward toward 2030 and address international challenges.No one can rely on the opposition.”
When asked about the polls, the Deputy Prime Minister noted that after seven years in government, it is understandable that there is fatigue among a segment of society; however, New Democracy continues to lead.
“What is certain,” he concluded, “is that we are ahead and that we must continue our work with humility, seriousness, and effectiveness. Despite the mistakes that have been made, it is certain that the country has made progress on many different levels in recent years. Unemployment has fallen from 18% to 8%, and 560,000 new jobs have been created. Deposits have increased significantly, from 140 billion to over 200 billion, and three-fifths of that increase comes from households. In tourism, we rank among the top 10–12 countries in the world, with 40 million tourists. The country is converging with the EU average. We will continue as effectively as we can; we will present our agenda for 2030, which the Prime Minister has honored me by entrusting me to coordinate, and we will move forward based on common sense and good European practices to meet the needs of the country and the new era,”, concluded the Deputy Prime Minister.
