The Minister of Finances Giannis Stournaras was invited on NET’s morning chat show to discuss the latest developments in the economy. Mr. Stournaras revealed that his Ministry has seized assets worth 2 billion euros over tax debts. The Minister was not pleased with the efforts against combat evasion, but commended the efforts.
Mr. Stournaras also stated that the huge levels of tax evasion in Greece are, in part, attributable to the increased number of self-employed (compared to EU standards) and the fact that the relevant penalties are not appropriate. The Minister hinted that self-employed pensioners might face further pension cuts next year.
When quizzed about the rampant unemployment rates, Mr. Stournaras predicted that the situation will improve in 2014. The Minister explained that “important things have happened that allow me to say that there is hope”. Mr. Stournaras finally promised that there would be no further measures, should the current ones be implemented as planned.
