The National Confederation of Hellenic Commerce (ESEE) has commented on the government’s bill which aims to increase revenue and cover the budget gap and primary surplus for 2015.
According to ESEE, the government wants to close the 2-to-2.5 billion euros budget gap in order to achieve a 1.2% to 1.5% GDP primary surplus. As such, the government is considering raising taxes on luxury assets, such as swimming pools and power boats, among others. ESEE is not convinced that many of these measures will have the desired effect on the real economy.
The confederation warns that the plans will only succeed if the government also introduces provisions that will restore the injustices caused by the “across the board” measures that were adopted by the previous governments. Instead, ESEE stresses the need for measures that will aim to finance the market and generate growth.
Finally, the confederation underlines that while tax relief measures are probably not possible at present, Greek enterprises will not be in the position to endure any further tax burdens.
