SYRIZA proposes zero VAT on essential goods in Greece

Nikos Pappas, the Finance spokesperson for the SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance, has called on the Greek government to return fiscal surpluses to citizens through a six-month zero VAT policy on essential goods. This proposal follows budget execution data showing that VAT revenues increased by 2.5 billion euros compared to the same period last year, while projected primary surpluses are significantly higher than original targets.

The proposed amendment includes zero VAT for six months, with a possible six-month extension, on items such as milk, dairy, meat, eggs, fruits, vegetables, bakery products, edible oils, medicines, and baby products. Pappas emphasized that the policy must be accompanied by strict controls to ensure tax relief is reflected in final consumer prices.

Additionally, the SYRIZA proposal includes a permanent 30% reduction in VAT rates for Greek islands, in accordance with relevant European legislation. The party is calling for transparency regarding how the government utilizes increased tax revenues and the surplus between projected and initial primary surplus targets.