Govt to introduce plastic money incentives

Special incentives for the use of debit and cash cards are being considered, but these will not lead to pension or wage reductions

The Greek government hopes to offer incentives to bolster the use of plastic money in Greece, said Deputy Finance Minister Tryfon Alexiadis on Wednesday during an interview with private ANT1 TV.

Alexiadis noted that an increase in the use of plastic money will not lead to a reduction in pension and wages. He stressed that the ministry has not yet reached any final decision concerning a scheme to spend part of monthly pension or wages through the use of a debit card.

Alexiadis said that the ministry planned to create a special corporate account for enterprises that will be protected from foreclosures due to debt towards banks, tax agencies and pension funds and to link the start of a new business from 2016 with the installation of a card payment machine, which will be obligatory for specific business sectors.

Alexiadis also announced changes in a car circulation duty while the ministry will issue a new circular on heating oil charges in the next two days.The changes in a special property tax will be made in 2016 with the aim to equalize commercial and objective values.