«We are looking for fiscal space for new support measures from July,» said Finance Minister Christos Staikouras, adding that within the current month «we will know if we can make new interventions on fuel.» However, he ruled out a reduction in excise duty, saying that «the issue of fuel will be addressed in the future, but it will not involve a reduction in taxes.» He also said that «if we go ahead and reduce the tax by 20 cents, the cost to the state will be €1.5 billion, so we will have to find that money.».
Speaking on OPEN TV, the minister pointed out that there are two conditions for new measures to support society to be taken: firstly, fiscal space must be found, because the existing fiscal space has been exhausted by the ENFIA property tax and electricity charges, and secondly, the measures that have already been taken must be implemented.
When asked whether there would be a reduction in VAT on food, he replied that «it would be very easy to come here and hand out money. We need to find fiscal space to make new interventions from July onwards.».
Regarding the abolition of the solidarity contribution, the minister stated that its abolition for private sector employees has been secured for 2023 (the cost amounts to €450 million) and that fiscal space is being sought to extend the abolition to civil servants and pensioners.
