Main opposition SYRIZA party on Thursday announced that MP and former minister George Katrougalos was being “withdrawn from the election race”, meaning the general election on Sunday, only hours after the latter more-or-less said that if returned to power the party would again raise tax prepayments and social security contributions for self-employed professionals.
The comments by Katrougalos, made during a live late-night public affairs program, were immediately pounced on by incumbent New Democracy (ND) candidates and the government spokesman.
In its statement, the leftist party said “the middle classes, following major sacrifices, paid a high price for the crisis and the arrogant policies of (Prime Minister Kyriakos) Mitsotakis, who didn’t care. Therefore, the middle class has a right to a lesser burden”.’
Katrougalos, a former labor and foreign affairs minister, also said he was “withdrawing from the election battle”, and referred to “personal views” that deviated from the stated policy statements of the party.
Conversely, interior ministry sources on Thursday said Katrougalos’ candidacy in the upcoming election remains valid, as his name is already printed on ballots.
“It remains in effect, given the fact that his candidacy was officially announced by the Supreme Court, therefore, he has the right to surrender his parliamentary seat if he is elected,” the ministry’s directorate of elections stated.
Latest News
European Central Bank Cuts Interest Rates by 25 Basis Points
It is the fourth cut of interest rates by Europe’s central bank, a move expected by the markets and financial analysts leading to the rate settling at 3%.
Airbnb: New Measures Add €600 in Extra Costs for Property Owners
Property managers face an immediate administrative fine of 5,000 euros if access to the inspected property is denied or any of the specified requirements are not met.
Economist: Greece Included in the Best Performing Economies in 2024
Meanwhile, Northern European countries disappoint, with sluggish performances from the United Kingdom and Germany.
EasyJet Expands Its Routes from Athens
The airline’s two new routes will be to London Luton and Alicante and they will commence in summer 2025.
Capital Link Forum Highlights Greece’s Economic Resurgence; Honors BoG Gov Stournaras
Capital Link Hellenic Leadership Award recipient, Bank of Greece Gov. Yannis Stournaras, an ex-FinMin, was lauded for his pivotal role during Greece’s economic recovery
Tourist Spending in Greece Up by 14%, Visa Card Analysis Shows
Greece’s capital Athens emerged as the most popular destination, recording a 17% increase in transactions with Visa cards, surpassing even the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos.
Inflation in Greece Unchanged at 2.4% in Nov. 2024
The general consumer price index (CPI) posted a 0.4% decrease in November compared to the previous month
2024 Christmas Holidays: Extended Shop Hours Schedule
The 2024 Christmas Holidays extended shop hours schedule commences on Thursday, December 12 and runs until the end of the year.
ELSTAT: Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Down in October
The number of employed individuals reached 4,284,694, an increase of 67,723 compared to October 2023 (+1.6%) and 22,002 compared to September 2024 (+0.5%).
Greek PM’s Chief Economic Adviser Resigns
In the post on his Facebook page, Patelis did not disclose the reasons that led him to step down.