A. Skercos: New subsidy on energy benefits increased

The new subsidy will be increased – a countermeasure to the increases in energy tariffs: this pre-announcement was made by the Minister of State Akis Skertsos, in an interview with the radio station “Real Fm”, insisting that it will be targeted, as it will concern the most vulnerable.

Specifying in particular the government’s line for the protection of incomes – in view of the relevant announcements by the Prime Minister in the coming days – the Minister of State spoke of “a side benefit” that has arisen from the upheaval and the energy crisis, the fact that , that “the revenues of the energy transition fund, the revenues we receive from the purchase of pollutants and the Special Account for Renewable Energy Sources (ELAPE) are increasing”. Given this, he continued, “the more revenue that comes into the fund, the more it will return to society, the economy, households, businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises. We will increase the subsidy to the most vulnerable, that is what needs to be done , this is right”.

While reminding, at the same time, that the tax reductions so far, the reduction in ENFIA, allowances and extraordinary aids, “all this comes from the additional income”. Asked if the government is considering establishing a mechanism, especially for fuel, through which some amounts will be returned to the most vulnerable, A. Skertsos reiterated: “anything that goes beyond the budget, will return to society and especially to more vulnerable “.

However, he did not fail to accuse the opposition parties that demand a reduction of taxes, for “superficial and irresponsible attitude”. These taxes, he argued, “finance public goods. They finance our schools, our teachers, our hospitals, our healthcare staff, our security, our police. If we cut these taxes, it is clear that the country needs to borrow.” , to enter the markets, to increase the deficit and the debt, and in a very difficult situation for the international markets and the economy, but also our economy, to be exposed to a question as to the reliability of public finances. when the country’s credibility in the international markets has been questioned for the last 10-12 years? “, he asked and went on to say that” the country almost went bankrupt, entered a memorandum, we all suffered a lot. We are proposing tax cuts without having an alternative proposal from where the money that will be cut from the taxes will be covered “.

Important support for the Mitsotakis proposal

Referring to the Greek Prime Minister’s 6-point proposal, he noted that he found on Thursday “a significant support from many countries of the European Union”. In addition, “it has been substantially adopted in the Conclusions from yesterday ‘s debate and has been referred to the European services for further elaboration. “There is no problem, despite the war in Ukraine, in the production and distribution of natural gas. At the moment, the markets are operating in an irrational way in terms of “This must be hit with political, regulatory intervention,” said the EU prime minister.

In the opposition’s accusations of hasty depoliticization, he asked her “to be much more careful in her criticism of the government’s energy policy, looking back a little. So what did she do when she ruled for five years?”, He asked. main opposition party. “The country has a 50% reduction in dependence on lignite in the five years of SYRIZA, there has been no investment in lignite plants.” Therefore, he concluded, “it is hypocritical for the opposition, especially SYRIZA, to talk about energy prices if we had more lignite. In order to have more lignite, investments in lignite should have been made. There has been a de-investment in lignite for a long time “You can not press a … button and generate energy from lignite overnight.”

According to the government approach, “a change in the mix is ​​needed when there are cheaper forms of energy such as Renewable Energy Sources. Therefore, everyone should push to enrich our energy mix with RES and produce cheaper electricity. And Europe and Greece should move in this direction from now on, with gradual decoupling from both coal and gas. ”

The goal of the Mitsotaki-Erdogan meeting is de-escalation

For the upcoming meeting of Messrs. Mitsotakis and Erdogan, A. Skertsos sees “an opportunity for the two leaders, the two countries, in a very difficult international situation, to see how they can put aside their differences and work to de-escalate the tension: this is “The prime minister is going to Istanbul to discuss this agenda and at the same time to normalize the tensions of the previous period.”

Asked what message the Turkish president was receiving from Moscow’s apparent dominance in the Russo-Ukrainian war, he said: The very strong and united reaction of the West. Things have happened that were difficult to imagine in the Russian economy in the last 15 days. The first effects are visible to the Russians. “But it must be understood that such revisionist agendas, which violate international law and the right of every country to self-determination, cannot be accepted. This is the strongest message to any revisionist leader.”

Scene of political anomaly by Al. Tsipras

Regarding the request of the leader of the major opposition to go to the polls, the Minister of State responded noting that “and this statement of Mr. Tsipras confirms that he is in complete disharmony, not now, for a long time, with the social feeling. “People, especially in such tense times, are calling for unity, calm, seriousness and moderation. These statements, which are essentially setting the stage for a political anomaly, have nothing to do with the situation.” And then, at this stage the question is to go to the polls? When we have a government, which in the polls from all companies – there is no one to dispute it – has a lead of 10 to 12 points, is there a question of challenging the popular verdict?

Finally, in the final question about the scenarios for changing the electoral law, A. Skertsos pointed out that “everyone in public speech must make a great effort not to add factors of uncertainty and insecurity to the world. People are suffering at the moment, they are very worried and anxious about the present and the future, we do not need to open discussions they are unnecessary at the moment. ”

SOURCE: ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ