Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 17-03-06

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] 'Some progress' made in meeting with institutions, says Labour ministry official

[02] Mitsotakis says GDP data show real economy is in 'tragic state'; vows to reduce taxes

[01] 'Some progress' made in meeting with institutions, says Labour ministry official

The two sides discussed issues relating to fiscal measures, the advanced legislation of measures, social security and taxation, the official said, adding that these issues will be presented to the technical teams on Tuesday, in order to prepare a new meeting at a ministerial level at 15:00.

Asked if the institutions are asking for pension cuts worth 1 percent of the GDP, the same official said: "We didn't agree on the percentage, but there was some progress," adding that labour issues were not discussed.

Talks between Finance and Economy Ministers Euclid Tsakalotos and Dimitri Papadimitriou with the institutions are continuing on the out-of-court settlement plan for non-performing business loans.

[02] Mitsotakis says GDP data show real economy is in 'tragic state'; vows to reduce taxes

"While the prime minister was proclaiming the economy's alleged return to positive growth rates the data disproved him, proving New Democracy's statements are not scaremongering. It is an accurate reflection of the market," he said.

"The economy returned to recession in 2015 and unfortunately remained in recession in 2016. The tragic state of the real economy, which is experienced by all Greeks for quite a while, is reflected in the official data. And while the uncertainty remains, the economy will be destabilized further," he added.

Mitsotakis then turned to the party's proposals saying the country needs fewer taxes, a stable tax system and a smaller and more efficient state. He also mentioned the need to consolidate the banking system and provide access to real liquidity, as well as a sense of security for all.

"The reduction of taxes is a central political choice to allow businesses and households to breathe," he said, adding his party pledged to reduce the ENFIA tax 30 percent over two years, the corporate tax to 20 percent from 29 percent and the taxation on dividends to 5 percent from 15 percent.

Mitsotakis also vowed to revisit social security contributions to give incentives to companies to hire people and noted the need to deal with non-performing loans.

"We are a country which, under conditions, could thrive," he said.

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