In North Macedonia we will have problems if we create official positions of the new government as asked before the elections.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis gives an interview to Alpha TV and Nikos Manesis.

-In meeting with Erdogan: Greek-Turkish relations seem to have entered calmer waters. This meeting had been planned for some time. There is progress, but there is no denying the fact that there will always be some tensions. Just because we disagree doesn’t mean we shouldn’t debate. Energy for Sora Math is unnecessary, Sora Math is a world monument. I cannot comment on the timing of this decision, it has been decided since 2000. This gives me an opportunity to raise the issue.

The armed forces are much stronger today than they were in 2019 and we have built stronger alliances. The country is defensively and politically very strong compared to Turkey. Integrate good weather. We can work together despite difficulties. For example, immigration was a major issue in 2019. Instead of illegal immigrants, there are now legal tourists from Turkey with a visa program. Not all problems are solved, but we don’t have to be on the spur of the moment.

On Rama’s visit: Greece being a democracy, the issue took on huge dimensions. A country cannot prevent a leader from visiting personally and talking to his countrymen.

Regarding VMRO’s dominance in North Macedonia: I have been watching with concern some of the statements made by VMRO officials and will await the Prime Minister’s official position to see how he will name his country. I personally disagree with the Prespa deal. But I accepted the agreement in the context of the continuity of government and recognized that, despite my disagreement, I must honor it. The same demands are now coming from the leadership of North Macedonia.
– To be precise: the prime minister noted that Greece is not exactly a protagonist, reiterating that the country cannot financially support the reduction of VAT on food unless, as he said, the opposition proposes other taxes.

Under-declared income and tax evasion: We have made a big effort with freelancers. Anyone who thinks so can appeal and prove that the income they declare is genuine. Payments POS interface with cash registers. Some political costs may have been incurred for these interventions. From 2019 we reduced ENFIA, reduced taxes on parental benefits, extraordinary contribution, our tax policy is to support the middle class.

– There is progress in the level of taxation, I think progressive taxation is justified. 13th and 14th salary cannot be paid to the pensioners in the current situation, tax rates cannot be reduced. Employers’ contributions and their reduction is the goal of the government.