Delays to new debt repayments scheme

Thousands of people delay paying off debts as a result of expecting new repayment schemes, but the government is still pondering the new rules

The Finance, Employment and Development ministries are postponing the new regulations for debt restructuring to be paid back in 100 installments. It is estimated that around 200,000 taxpayers currently paying their dues in 24-48 installments to the Tax Office and insurance funds will be affected by the new measures.

The 24-100 installments planned for debts to municipalities by the Ministry of Labor, Social Security and Welfare do not appear to be of concern to the troika of Greece’s international creditors made up of the European Commission, European Central Bank and International Monetary Fund. Nonetheless, the regulation is constantly being delayed.

Each month, a number of people who are repaying nonperforming loans appear to be towards the end of their payment schemes with many choosing to complete repayments with their current agreements that are due to end in mid-2015.

The new regulations come with a series of obstacles. Prime Minister Antonis Samaras was expected to make an announcement eleven days ago so as to benefit those who repay their installments on time. The new interest rate for debt repayment was expected to have been 2% from the 8% standing rate or the 4.6% rate that currently stands, however it was felt this new rate would have meant “punishing” those who are consistent in their debt repayments with the higher rate of interest.

There are also problems in the planning of the electronic application concerning the new measures. It is estimated that another 15 days are needed for the new digital repayment system to be ready so that the new measures can be applied.