The framework and conditions for the creation of a “progressive left opposition” front by PASOK, SYRIZA, and New Left were presented by Euclid Tsakalotos during the debate on the state budget for 2025.

The special speaker of the New Left and former Finance Minister of the Tsipras government argued that the common opposition line should be based on 3 areas including the reduction of defense spending, tax increases (ENFIA, profits), and green growth.

“I address the left-wing progressive opposition. There are 3 key breakthroughs needed to address stagnation which is not stability as the government tells us. The first area is defence spending which has reached 3%. In PASOK do you think 3% is sustainable? We are going to go to the world with some plan that says we will solve the problem of hospitals education research etc. and keep the spending limit at 3%? Is that realistic?”Tsakalotos said.

On taxation, he supported the PASOK amendment to tax bank profits but said it was not enough. “We need to re-examine the whole tax system,” he said, supporting the view that the reductions in ENFIA brought by the ND government should be abolished and the rates that were in force under SYRIZA should be restored. “Under SYRIZA, we reduced ENFIA by 250 million euros, averaging 30%. Here comes the ND and doubles the reduction to properties over 500 thousand euros. Let’s discuss whether it should go back to where it was to have a realistic plan,” he said, addressing PASOK and SYRIZA.

“What is the right doing? Cuts 70 taxes for both the rich and for profits and when the pressure comes it says it can’t spend more on health and education. Leave out the ENFIA. The tax on profits is down to 22%. What if it went to 25%? The 3-point increase is 1 billion euros. Are we going to discuss it; or are we going to say and cut taxes and increase spending? So we have to seriously discuss taxation,” he said at another point.