Chr. Staikouras: Our intention is that in 2022 more Greeks will pay even lower ENFIA

The assurance that depending on the available fiscal space and the intensity and extent of the energy crisis, the government will be close to society and will support it as long as necessary, gave today the Minister of Economy, Christos Staikouras, speaking online at the 6th Thessaloniki Forum.

The minister pointed out, however, that in a period of significant and rising uncertainties and risks, he could not cultivate expectations for any additional measure in the form of a social “growth dividend”, other than those already announced at the 85th TIF or the subsequent increase of 50m euros. primary sector.

Mr. Staikouras also clarified that the so-called “new ENFIA” will not be submitted along with the budget, however he assured that the will of the government is in 2022 more Greeks to pay even lower property tax, compared to the one who pays the the last two years, which “the current government has reduced by an average of 22%”.

Will there be additional measures for the energy crisis?

More specifically, when asked if there will be additional measures to alleviate the energy crisis, in addition to the 50 million euros announced today (s.s. for the return of the excise tax on oil to 200,000 farmers), Mr. Staikouras answered: ” At the moment, the data we have is that the energy crisis is more acute than initially estimated and will last longer, but will be temporary. In the direction of the € 500 million package that we have already announced, another € 50 million will be added for 2022 in the primary sector. “With the fiscal space that exists and the intensity and extent of the energy crisis, we will be close to society and we will support it for as long as it takes.”

For the “growth dividend” in case the rate of economic growth exceeds the estimates

Asked whether citizens, especially those in financially vulnerable groups, can look forward to a social “growth dividend” if estimates for economic growth of more than 8% are verified, Mr Staikouras said that although the precursors are positive, There are also uncertainties in 2021, such as the energy crisis and inflation, which can slow down or slow down the rate of economic growth, in conjunction with the health crisis.

“We have good precursors in terms of current data, but also significant upward uncertainties and risks for the coming months, mainly as a result of the energy and health crisis. If we consider that there is a better forecast for the growth rate of the Greek economy, we have to see if this assessment has permanent characteristics and therefore creates a fiscal space.Already, a fiscal space that we managed to create in 2021 we have exhausted it to give to society (…) announced in Thessaloniki and will continue to be close to society, mainly to address the effects of the energy crisis for as long as necessary, but also the health crisis, and if there is fiscal space, we have shown that, with quick reflexes, it returns as a dividend to But today I can not cultivate expectations for anything in 2021 or in 2022, in addition to what we said in Thessaloniki and what we add as policy measures later, such as the 50 million euros for farmers “, he clarified.

Greek “green” bond in 2022

Finally, regarding the Climate Summit in Glasgow, he pointed out that “a useful discussion took place” and announced the issuance of a green bond by Greece in 2022. “It was a discussion that resulted in some texts on how to ensure “Among other things, Greece intends to issue a green bond, later in 2022, after first maturing specific projects, which we will be able to launch, to issue a relevant bond,” he concluded.

The Thessaloniki Summit 2022 is organized by the Association of Greek Industries (SVE) and the Delphi Economic Forum, under the auspices of the President of the Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou.

SOURCE: ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ