A. Spyropoulos (KINAL): We propose a new form of EKAS for 350,000 low-income retirees

“You call us populists, you tell us that the equation does not work out and afterwards you talk about a reduction in VAT rates, an increase in the minimum wage, but also other tax cuts. So we can, it is a matter of choice,” said the member of his Political Council. Movement for Change – PASOK, Andreas Spyropoulos, on SKAI TV.

Blaming both the government and SYRIZA “a huge anxiety for what is being formed in society, but also for our serious oppositional attitude towards the problems and especially those of accuracy and the failures of the government”, Mr. Spyropoulos gave answers to the Minister of Development & Investment, Adonis Georgiadis: “Mr. Georgiadis had made a statement on December 21st that the accuracy of the supermarket products has not passed and that instead they are asking for selfies. I believe that a month and a half later he has revised and mainly the government has understand that with the measures he has not taken, he has not helped the real economy and those who are really in need “.

“We are proposing a reduction in VAT on basic products, we have said it many times. The government, the Minister of Finance, says it will not do it because it has a high budgetary cost, while yesterday it told us from now on that it is seriously considering it. So let them decide “We say to do it quickly,” said Mr. Spyropoulos, developing PASOK’s proposals for accuracy and economy.

“Also reduce non-wage costs in business, so that there is relief. Raise the minimum wage now, so that it can go to the real economy. And let me tell you something new because I know you are very concerned with low-income retirees. We propose a new form of EKAS, but with income criteria, criteria that will specifically concern those who really need it.We are talking about 350,000 low-income retirees, and the annual cost is 650 million euros in the annual budget.I think this is a key initiative that this government and help the lower classes in need, “he added. “Do not low-income people need help at the moment? They have. Let the government decide.”

“We do not have equal distances, nor do we think in this way. We have an autonomous course, we judge the government productively, with a correct reason and with proposals. Mr. Androulakis with his statement in the First Issue clarifies that we do not have equal distances “We do not measure with anyone. These are clear for us”, Mr. Spyropoulos underlined.

Regarding the attitude of the government, Mr. Spyropoulos asked the Minister of Development: “Mr. Georgiadis, for the past two weeks, you have been hitting us daily with both the President and the party. You are anxious for the rise of the Movement for Change and PASOK. In Parliament “You made a specific attack on President Nikos Androulakis and our faction. We submitted a question to you in Parliament and you attacked.”

Referring to the discussion of the Current Question of the Movement for Change, to be precise, he added that “we had a productive discussion, we did not discuss Fourthiotides and I want you to believe that”, while “you in Parliament insult and speak in such a way”.

Responding to the example of Portugal, Mr. Spyropoulos explained that “Mr. Androulakis in his article does not compare the inflation of Greece and Portugal to prove the resilience of the Greek economy. He refers to inflation to say that the cost “Energy in Greece has increased a lot compared to Portugal, where the government there, due to the actions it took, kept it low. Greece with the fivefold increase in energy costs is the first country in the eurozone.”