The government on Thursday dismissed the head of the General Secretariat for Public Revenues, Katerina Savvaidou, because of misdemeanor charges.

This move has raised questions on the authorities’ commitment to the body’s independence.

European Commision’s spokesperson Annika Breidthardt reiterated Greek Prime Minister’s commitments to the Institutions answering in a question of Proto Thema reporter.

Mrs. Breidthardt said that European Commission noted the decision of the Greek government on the General Secretariat of Public Revenues adding that improving tax compliance and collection was one of the main economic challenges Greece was facing.

Therefore, as she said the independence of the General Secretariat of Public Revenues was at the center of institutional credibility and effectiveness stressing that Greece has committed, as part of the program, to “strengthen the institutional and operational independence of key institutions such as the General Secretariat of Public Revenues and ELSTAT. ‘”

She also added that Commission cannot comment on the details of this case, but it was in contact with the Greek authorities and has asked for clarifications on the decision.