New Democracy chief Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Thursday pledged that he will slash the single property tax (ENFIA) by 30 percent within two years if his party comes to power.
Mitsotakis gave an interview on SKAI television, one of the two existing television stations that managed to secure a license in the recent controversial auction.
The conservative party leader presented his positions, arguing that tax cuts would be more beneficial to the economy and society than heavier taxation. He referred to the example of cutting value added tax on restaurants from 23 to 13 percent in 2013, when New Democracy was in power.
Mitsotakis said that his main priority, if he won the premiership, would be to cut the ENFIA by 30 percent. He also said that he would reduce public spending by up to 800 million euros, and if Greece could reduce its primary surplus targets for the coming years from 3.5 percent of gross domestic product to 2 percent, this would free about 3 billion euros, funds that would allow for tax cuts and add to the guaranteed minimum income.
On cutting public spending, Mitsotakis said that he is not planning to lay off public sector employees — as he is accused by the SYRIZA government — but he would work on making the public sector more efficient. At the same time, he said he will fire those who were hired for public service using fake documents.
Regarding the issue of tax evasion, the conservative leader said his party has a plan to battle tax evasion by widening the use of electronic transactions.
On the issue of television licensing, the conservative chief pledged that [State Minister Nikos] Pappas Law will be abolished and broadcasting responsibilities will return to the National Radio and Television Council. He also reiterated his position that the way Pappas acts as media controller is unconstitutional.
On political alliances and widening the party base, Mistotakis said that, “We have room for moderate liberal centrists, we have room for those who define themselves as being center-left but who are completely exasperated with the government’s policy and are looking for a way out.”
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