The former general secretary of public revenue Harry Theoharis told the British Telegraph that during his tenure he received threats against his life and details how his office was told that “it would only cost 5,000 euros to break his legs”.
Mr. Theoharis, who was recently elected as an MP with The River, noted that he was also under constant political pressure to “not go after the well-connected” and resigned only 17 months into a 5-year-term.
According to the interview, Mr. Theoharis resigned be cause they “wanted [him] to be lenient”, adding that he “resisted it up to a point”. The former General Secretary estimated that unless the political pressure on tax collectors ceases, then Greece will never balance its books.
Regarding the new Prime Minister, Mr. Theoharis commented that “Tsipras is honest and determined”, but was quick to add that “he downplays the risks of what is at stake. He underestimates the complexity that lies ahead. It’s a minefield”.
