We have safe cash, but it is not our choice to shut down the economy, made clear today the finance minister Christos Staikouras on the possibility of a new general ban. The Minister pointed out that cash reserves have been maintained at around EUR 34 billion as they were before the health crisis, even though we have spent EUR 41 billion because of the crisis.
He noted that the Ministry of Finance this year estimates recovery 3,6%, despite the fact that all the leading indicators speak of much higher.
He added that, based on the current data, all converge that we will revise the budget targets for the better.
Mr.Staikouras told SKAI that he is satisfied with the progress of tourism so far, the coverage of citizens' obligations and the unprecedented level of deposits in Greece.
He also mentioned that this year citizens will pay less tax and as indicated by the approximately 3 million tax returns filed, 53% will pay no taxes, 17% will be a credit and 30% will pay taxes but at a reduced rate.
The Minister explained that for every fiscal space created, the government will reduce taxes and social security contributions, and from 2022 we will seek to make the reductions permanent.
As far as the rentals, Christos Staikouras said that during the summer will be paid the part of property owners who have not been compensated for the previous months, while for July, those entitled to compensation, are very few. He stated that there are 7 thousand owners who have not declared web banking to get their money.
At the same time, he revealed that some landlords have been tricked into having their tenants declare that they paid higher rent in order to collect more money from the state. However, these cases are much smaller than what has happened in other countries such as Britain.
