Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis has dismissed a proposal by former prime minister Alexis Tsipras and his newly launched Greek Left Alliance, or ELAS, party for a “patriotic contribution,” arguing that tax increases cannot be considered either “good” or “patriotic.”
Speaking during a press briefing, Marinakis said the government’s policy has focused on reducing the tax burden, noting that the ruling conservative New Democracy administration has reduced or abolished 83 direct and indirect taxes.
He contrasted the government’s record with that of Tsipras, the former leader of the left-wing SYRIZA party who served as prime minister from 2015 to 2019, saying his administration imposed or increased 30 taxes, mainly affecting middle- and lower-income households. Marinakis argued that voters should judge political leaders by their record in office rather than campaign rhetoric.
Tsipras launched his ELAS party last week after a prolonged period of speculation. Opinion polls suggest the new party has overtaken socialist PASOK and is emerging as the country’s main opposition force.
POLITICS NEW DEMOCRACY GREEK LEFT ALLIANCE (ELAS) PASOK SYRIZA
