PASOK criticizes Greek government over rising fuel and heating oil costs

PASOK officials are criticizing the Greek government's management of rising energy costs, specifically regarding fuel and heating oil. Spokesperson Olga Markogiannakis highlighted the country's low purchasing power within the EU and urged a reduction in the Special Consumption Tax (excise duty) to provide relief, noting that countries like Spain and Portugal have already implemented such measures.

Frankiskos Parasiris, head of PASOK's Energy Sector, accused the government of reacting with panic rather than strategic planning. He questioned how much additional VAT revenue the state has collected from increased fuel prices and demanded transparency on whether these funds are being returned to households. The party has called for the taxation of windfall profits in the energy sector to fund citizen support.

Kostas Tsoukalas, another PASOK spokesperson, argued that the government delayed necessary interventions and is now seeking European exceptions to avoid unilateral action. He reiterated the party's proposal to temporarily reduce both the excise duty and VAT while addressing the high profits of refineries.