The European institutions have called for Greek public officials who are involved in the efforts against tax evasion to be given immunity and protection, following the departure of Katerina Savvaidou from the General Secretariat of Public Revenue.
According to a report in Ta Nea, the Greek government is being pressured into providing immunity to high-ranking state officials who are tackling tax evasion, claiming that they are easily targeted from their critics.
The ‘troika’ cites the example of Mrs. Savvaidou’s predecessor Haris Theoharis and the former head of the FSF Anastasiou Sakellariou and has accused the SYRIZA-led government of continuing the practices of the previous administrations, which would dismiss those with whom it did not agree.
In response the government stresses that it is not possible for public officials with power, such as the General Secretary of Public Revenue, to be immune and not be held accountable for their actions in official matters and activities.
Nevertheless, in order to avoid any further clashes with its creditors, the government proposes to start talks regarding the selection and appointment process for critical positions, such as that of General Secretary of Public Revenue, accepting that the next GS must be mutually accepted and selected through transparent procedures.
