Alexis Tsipras and ELAS, using the old formula of SYRIZA, are promising tax increases to finance a new welfare policy.

So far, we have heard from representatives of ELAS as well as from Alexis Tsipras himself that they will raise a number of taxes to fund their benefits and countless promises. We’ve seen this happen in the mere few days since ELAS began operating.

Initially, Alexis Tsipras spoke of a “patriotic tax” on large businesses, which would be permanent. Then Koufonikolaou said it would be a one-time levy and not permanent.

At the same time, Antonis Saoulidis spoke of an increase in the dividend tax as well as additional taxation on 1,500 tax identification numbers (AFM) that, as they claim, possess great wealth. In fact, another official from ELAS emphasized that they will also tax yachts and large SUVs.

Upon hearing about the additional taxation on yachts, a user on X aptly wondered whether the former prime minister would also tax the… shipowner’s yacht, on which he vacationed after the deadly fire in Mati.

Vagueness and a lack of vision

Of course, we aren’t hearing any specific figures, as each official gives a different estimate of how much money these tax hikes will bring into the state coffers. 

But since the Left in general—and Alexis Tsipras in particular—aren’t very good with numbers and the economy, the question is this: What will happen if companies move to other European countries with lower tax rates? 

After all, taxation on high incomes and large corporations is already higher than on small and medium-sized enterprises and other income brackets. And during the energy crisis, the government had already taxed windfall profits.

Also, what will happen if those who claim to have a lot of money ultimately cannot pay what appear to be exorbitant tax increases? 

And is this, ultimately, Alexis Tsipras’s dream for Greece? Higher taxes so he can hand out benefits? 

And in the end, we hear nothing from him about the reforms the country needs, about growth, or about the challenges of the future, such as artificial intelligence. Just handouts, new taxes, and promises to hand out money that doesn’t exist.

And of course, the obvious: overtaxation drives money away, while low taxes bring growth, investment, new jobs, and revenue.