The government spokesman Gabriel Sakellaridis stressed that in no case will the Greek government accept an increase of the VAT rates, in an interview on SKAI. Mr. Sakellaridis argued that the goal of increasing revenue can be achieved without increasing the VAT and that the government is not willing to consider such a possibility.
Regarding the negotiations, the spokesman repeated the government’s commitment towards fulfilling its obligations, both domestically and internationally. He added that “the government has the duty to take initiative in order to calm the stifling situation” that has been created in Greece.
When asked about the Prime Minister’s upcoming trip to Russia, the spokesman responded that there was “nothing reprehensible” about it, underlining that the government is implementing a multidimensional foreign affairs policy. Bilateral issues such as the Russian embargo on EU products, tourism and trade are expected to be on the agenda.
Finally Mr. Sakellaridis rejected any scenarios of early elections and a referendum stressing that the government has a certain direction and overall goal.
