Pavlos Marinakis defended government policy, criticized Tsipras and Androulakis, and announced tax cuts at the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair.
Marinakis attacks Tsipras and Androulakis: Reality Proves Them Wrong
Alexis Tsipras and Nikos Androulakis faced fierce criticism of their proposals from government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis, commenting on the term “worthless” used by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to describe the opposition’s positions.
Speaking on SKAI, the government spokesperson argued that the country has paid dearly for the logic of “there is money” and unfunded benefits, emphasizing that Greece now needs cost-estimated solutions rather than announcements without clear funding.
As he noted, reality itself disproves those who propose measures without specific fiscal planning, reminding that there is now a legal obligation for parties to present costed programs before elections.
At the same time, he took a jab at proposals that appear as “fireworks” in the public debate, noting characteristically that “free” ultimately translates into money from Greek taxpayers. He also referred to the period when SYRIZA was in power, arguing that Alexis Tsipras imposed more than 30 new taxes.
Tax breaks at the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair, with a budgetary allocation of one billion euros
Contrasting the government’s stance, Pavlos Marinakis emphasized that every measure announced is accompanied by a specific plan for how it will be financed.
As he pointed out, the government has already moved to abolish or reduce 83 direct and indirect taxes, a fact that, as he said, gives it the necessary credibility in the eyes of the public.
The government spokesperson also announced a new package of tax relief measures at the Thessaloniki International Fair, noting that there is already fiscal space amounting to one billion euros available, which may increase further by September.
On Samaras’s party and unity: the message to the New Democracy base
When asked about scenarios involving the creation of a new political party by former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, Pavlos Marinakis declined to comment on his intentions, noting that it remains to be seen what his final decisions will be.
At the same time, he referred to the “soul of the party,” emphasizing that it is embodied by the anonymous voters and officials of New Democracy who have consistently supported the party over time without seeking personal gain or publicity.
As he said, these people remain steadfast in their convictions during both good and bad times and desire, above all else, to preserve the unity of the party.
Asimakopoulou and e-mails: Excessive cannibalism
Referring to the case of Anna Michelle Asimakopoulou and the prosecutor’s recommendation of guilt regarding the leak of email addresses, the government spokesperson spoke of excessive and hypocritical witch hunt.
Pavlos Marinakis pointed out that the case actually concerns the sending of an email, stressing that the final ruling of the judiciary should be awaited before drawing definitive conclusions.
At the same time, he argued that in an era of mass messaging and promotional SMS, those involved are being treated disproportionately harshly, even though the legal proceedings are still ongoing.
