The 700 million euro primary surplus, one of the final details of the 2013 budget, was confirmed yesterday and can act as a bargaining chip for the government. There is a clear indication that despite the problems, finances are improving, while the revenue and tax auditing mechanisms are starting to work.
We cannot however ignore that this was all achieved due to the unbearable sacrifices of the Greek people and a significant reduction of public investments. Public revenue is improving, but the real economy is suffering and consistent tax payers see their income drastically cut as bear the burden of those who are unable or simply avoiding to pay.
In order to maintain the undeniable success of the primary surplus so that it pays off, it must be accompanied by growth initiatives that will increase national revenue and create new jobs. Otherwise, the taxpaying ability of the people is mathematically certain to decline, as the cost of living is already too much for a significant portion of society and businesses, especially the small and medium sized ones, which are the backbone of the economy.
It is the government’s duty to make the best of the surplus in the upcoming negotiations with the troika and our lenders. They have committed to seeking out ways to support the Greek economy and reduce the debt, when this data is confirmed by Eurostat in March or April.
The Greek people have demonstrably had to make the greatest sacrifices than any other country that has been affected by the crisis. They have the right to demand some breathing space from our European partners. All the data and our undeniable problems have proven that we will keep our promises and honor our commitments. It is high time that Europe proved that it can and will move forward and that even those who have gone astray have a right to a common European future.
TO VIMA
