Tax reformwith a top priority in dealing with demographic The problem was announced by Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis, speaking at an event organized by the Alexandria Innovation Zone (AZK SA) in Thessaloniki.
In an open discussion with nearly 100 young and young people who are active in Greece or returned from abroad, Kyriakos Pierrakakis heard their requests and concerns first, giving detailed answers to taxation, entrepreneurship, investment, and the future of the new productive model, To stop the birth and demographic problem of Greece:
“We are in half births from those we were before the crisis. Today, as the head of the Financial Staff, I would tell you that what I first put in is the demographic and the change of how we tax in Greece. We will make a tax reform that will put a lot of emphasis on this problem. “
The minister recalled that the country has been out of bankruptcy and now exhibits a surplus-“something that happens only in six EU member states”. However, he warned that this surplus should not be lost:
“We have a specific space on what we can spend every year. Tax cuts and changes in tax advance are issues we are considering, but prioritize and respect European rules. “
Stability and Continue: ‘No Tetris that becomes Jenga’
Mr. Pierrakakis underlined the need for stable rules in the tax and institutional framework:
“The most political game is Tetris. Successes disappear and mistakes are accumulated. People remember the failures and pending. If you put the right software in the country – Statute Rules, a stable stadium – it can be of great value. The bet is to keep going, without going to Jenga, that is, not to remove the wrong pieces and collapse the building. “
Referring to the course of the country, he noted:
“We have reduced 72 taxes. We established a 50% tax reduction for those who returned from abroad. The contributions were reduced. Over 2,500 services are now on Gov.gr. We are steadily changing the economic model – we are in the middle of a route. “
Braingain and Entrepreneurship
The minister made special reference to Braingain:
“If you look at the elements, especially after the pandemic, those who come back are more than those who leave. This is the first time in these numbers. The quality of life in Greece, combined with the motivation, creates a return conditions. “
At the same time, he pointed out that the culture around entrepreneurship and failure has changed:
“In the old days, failure was a stigma. Today, with tools such as Fundsjeremie and Equifund, we saw a new generation of startups grow. This mentality must be reinforced. “
‘Eternal Students’ – The Education Betting
Referring to education, he stressed the need for lifelong learning:
“Life expectancy is growing and technology is changing exponentially. A child born today is very likely to live over 100 years. A degree is not enough – we have to renew skills throughout our lives. We do not want eternal students, we want eternal students. “
He pointed out that soon a law will be passed that will allow the creation of professional schools in collaboration with companies to directly link education to the labor market.
The interventions of young people
The discussion was attended by new businessmen and business executives:
- Michalis Venieris, an economist, who returned from abroad, founded a consulting company. He emphasized the 50%tax reduction incentive, which helped him start his own business but also problems such as the lack of insurance for a few months after returning.
- Adelinabidoudi, co -founder of Startupoptimems, with extroverted energy activity, referred to the need to improve incentives for high growth companies and tax advance.
- George Mitrakos, a catering businessman reported in the field of the industry (VAT, rents, energy, lack of staff).
- Dimitris Koutras, co -founder of Agrovest, asked the question of how Greece can attract more international investment funds.
In response, the minister noted:
“To a point we have to think nationally. Beyond that, we have to think as Europeans. In the EU There are still obstacles that act as duties between us. We have to overcome them. “