A group of PASOK MPs met with the Minister of Finances Yannis Stournaras on Wednesday in order to discuss a number of proposals for the controversial real estate tax. The main PASOK argument is for the introduction of a tax-free threshold.
Specifically the PASOK group suggested that the tax be imposed on the taxpayer’s total assets, rather than individually. Aside from a tax-free threshold (a previous proposal mentioned a 50,000 euros threshold), PASOK has argued for different rates according to the value of the property and the taxpayer’s financial status, particularly the unemployed, disabled etc.
The Minister of Finances rejected the proposal since it alters the overall philosophy of the real estate tax, which could jeopardize the efforts to collect a necessary 2.9 billion euros.
During the meeting, the PASOK MPs also requested that changes be made to the income criteria for the heating oil benefit, so that greater quantities of heating oil are available through the benefit. The benefit has been criticized for having little substantial effect in tackling the heating problem.
