Stelios Petsas, a New Democracy (ND) Member of Parliament, Coordinator of Economic Affairs of the ND Parliamentary Group, and former Minister, is not afraid of self-criticism. Speaking on the MAGGA show on BNtv, the online television station of BankingNews.gr, he emphasizes: "Arrogance and diminished reflexes during the government's second term are our problem," he tells journalist Angie Stathatou, adding: "We should have dealt with problems like OPEKEPE faster, before they turned into crises. We were late; we should have restructured OPEKEPE since 2019." Stelios Petsas refers to the fiasco involving farmers' unionist Kostas Anestidis, who, despite being innocent, endured the ordeal of having his accounts blocked for six months until an acquittal decree was issued: "Out of fear, we implemented extreme and disproportionate measures," he says. However, he also calls for the resignation of European Prosecutor Laura Kovesi, describing the case file as "sloppy."
The government is inconsistent regarding the increase of KAP for Local Government – Reduce the Excise Tax and VAT to 8-11%
Petsas's positions on the economy prove that there are voices within the ND calling for a reduction in indirect taxes, such as VAT and the Excise Tax on fuel: "I am in favor of reducing taxes and the Excise Tax on fuel. During the Samaras-Venizelos government, we reduced VAT and turnover increased," he says, arguing that VAT should range from 8-11%, as is the case in our neighboring countries. At the same time, answering a question about the funding of Local Government addressed to him by the Mayor of Alimos, Andreas Kondylis, he admits: "Resources for Local Government must be increased; we had promised an increase in KAP and we must be consistent."
ND claims a majority – Samaras is a threat, not Tsipras and Karystianou
A parliamentary majority in the 2027 elections is an achievable goal, argues the former Government Spokesperson, who sees that "Tsipras and Karystianou are not a threat to the ND, but a potential Samaras party is. I would not want there to be a Samaras party," he notes characteristically, while maintaining—differing from Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis—that "I am not bothered by the criticism from former Prime Ministers Antonis Samaras and Kostas Karamanlis. They have the right and the obligation to express themselves." However, the rapprochement with Antonis Samaras "is a matter for Kyriakos Mitsotakis."
What does he say about Foreign Policy and Migration Policy? Is the Fence in Evros being completed?
Watch the entire MAGGA show on BNtv here:
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