In regards to his predictions for the elections, the minister stated the following: “I believe that the people will recognize the success of the government, the fact that this success has been acknowledged internationally and that the prospects for the country have improved.” He also believes that voters shouldn’t let anger and resentment determine their vote. “What does the term ‘angry voter’ mean anyway?” wonders Mr. Stournaras. “A vote based on anger is against the interests of citizens and I think many will think twice and vote based on their interests and the good of the country.”
“People vote for the parties that open new prospects for the future. They don’t vote based on rage,” he says. The Minister stresses that “our priority now is growth and this is what opens new prospects for all citizens .”
When will taxes be reduced
Replying to a question about whether there are prospects of tax reductions in the near future, Finance Minister said that “there are prospects only on condition that we exceed the budgetary targets. Recently, because the primary surplus was higher than expected we were able to reduce insurance contributions. In order to reduce taxes, first we have to exceed the targets. Now that the tax mechanisms are working better, tax evasion will also be reduced.
Referring to growth, Mr. Stournaras stressed that it is the first and most important objective of government policy and it will be pursued by any means necessary and cited as a successful example the recapitalization of banks which fared better than expected. The Finance Minister believes that the attitude of foreign investors towards Greece is now positive.
“The privatizations will be the drivers of growth, along with exports” he says and goes on to add: “Privatisations and exports will bring development.”
Finally, in regards to the scenarios of his appointment as chief of the Bank of Greece, he said: “No such discussion has ever occurred between me and the Prime Minister. As a civil servant, you’re in the hands of the Prime Minister. He decides who goes where. He never mentioned anything to me about that.”