Criticism of Alexis Tsipras, who aspires to return to power, was criticized by Kostis Hatzidakis, noting that “he’s back and promising the moon and the stars.”
“For now, Mr. Tsipras is making a comeback with the same slogans and dogmas of the past, reminiscent of what he was saying in 2015, in 2019, and in 2023, and his poll numbers also resemble those of 2023 when he resigned. Yesterday he told us that, while adhering to the European Union’s fiscal rules—and thanks, of course, to our own efforts to promote growth and combat tax evasion, we were able to distribute—as we did—1.76 billion euros, he would have distributed 6 billion. It’s the same old story, just like what he’s said in the past. He’s back again, promising the moon and the stars,” said the Deputy Prime Minister, Kostis Hatzidakis, in an interview with ANT1, responding to a question about the remarks made by the former prime minister on Alpha.
He emphasized the commitment of New Democracy to addressing problems and challenges. “We must focus on addressing the challenges of the present and the immediate future. On the one hand, we have a party, New Democracy, which has helped Greece rise significantly higher than in 2019 in terms of the economy, foreign policy, and defense. On the other hand , within the opposition there are some parties that stand out for their toxicity and hostility, and parties that espouse far-fetched theories, such as the “Letters of Jesus Christ.” And there is a common denominator among all opposition parties: our national cancer, which is the well-known populism from the past. Endless promises and lies.”.
Tsipras raised 30 taxes
Kostis Hatzidakis pointed out that Mr. Tsipras, contrary to what he is now saying about taxation, raised 30 different taxes and didn’t lower a single one—except for one: the casino tax! “New Democracy reduced taxes and social security contributions—in fact, in 83 different ways. And this September at the Thessaloniki International Fair , the prime minister—always taking into account the resilience of the economy and the budget— will announce new initiatives that will have as their common thread further tax cuts, particularly for the middle class, and support for vulnerable groups. The TIF “package” will be as substantial as possible without entering into a bidding war with the opposition parties. Obviously, in such a contest, the opposition will promise much more. We promise less and then deliver on everything. That is what sets us apart,” he emphasized.
Low tax rates as an incentive for growth
“Taxation,” he added, “must be fair. Citizens should feel that there are no underdogs or favored groups. And for that reason, in fact, when I was Minister of Finance, we implemented 11 different initiatives to combat tax evasion, which sparked some backlash at the time. It wasn’t just about the self-employed; it was about linking POS terminals to cash registers and other modernization efforts, which, in my view, also carried a message of social justice. All of our efforts are based on a common-sense approach. We want to have low tax rates because they are an incentive for growth. On the other hand, there are requirements related to budget execution, reducing public debt, the country’s creditors, and the European Union. So we have to find a balance.”
I respect the prime ministers
Regarding former prime ministers K. Karamanlis and Ant. Samaras, he stated: “I speak with all New Democracy officials. I’ve been with New Democracy since I was very young; I’ve served as a minister under three different prime ministers: Kostas Karamanlis, Antonis Samaras, and Kyriakos Mitsotakis. I respect all three of them. I believe in the great New Democracy and in the unity of the broader party. But obviously, this unity requires certain conditions and demands that all of us contribute toward this goal. I have no doubt whatsoever about Kostas Karamanlis’s love for our party.”
The New Democracy grassroots are here
Finally, when asked about the polls, Kostis Hatzidakis noted: “In 2023, almost no one believed that New Democracy would win an outright majority. Polls two months before the election showed that New Democracy would get 32–34%, but it ultimately ended up with 41%. I don’t mean to say that the same thing will happen now. But wherever I go throughout Greece—I was recently in Thessaloniki, Kilkis, Chalkidiki, and Tripoli—I see that New Democracy’s base is here. It supports the efforts of the government and Kyriakos Mitsotakis. And as we approach the elections, Greek citizens will have to make their decisions. They will clearly see that, on the one hand, there is a methodical, effective government that has helped Greece move forward, and a prime minister who is equally effective and enjoys international prestige. And on the other hand, there is an opposition characterized either by far-fetched theories, or by toxicity and hostility, or—above all—by this incredible populism. “The Greek people will ultimately decide what is best for their families, their children, and their homeland, and that is why I am optimistic,” concluded Mr. Hatzidakis.
