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08 January, 1998
Prime Minister Costas Simitis defended his government's economic policy in a statement on arrival at the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry's (EBEA) annual reception yesterday.
Mr. Simitis said the Greek economy has made considerable steps of progress lately, which is also proved by the fact that inflation has dropped to the lowest levels in past decades, deficits have been decreased considerably and growth rates are among the highest in Europe.
He said this policy must be continued and will be continued because the target of equal participation in economic and monetary union will be achieved in this way.
Mr. Simitis also referred to the businessmen's contribution to this effort through the development of new technology, carrying out new investments and better organizing the production process.
on the part of the main opposition New Democracy party, party leader Costas Karamanlis strongly criticized the prime minister, whom he termed "the premier of taxes who lacks the boldness to proceed with necessary structural incisions indicated to him by ND."
Mr. Karamanlis said the taxation bill tabled in Parliament is tangible proof of decline imposed on public life by the government. He also accused the government of lying systematically since while committing itself not to impose new taxes it established 13 taxes with the new budget and 25 with the taxation bill. He further said that with this taxation bill every effort for development and carrying out investments is abolished, while unemployment is also given an impetus.
Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos said economic policy must secure structural interventions in the economy's operation, place emphasis on investments, production restructuring and secure healthy rules of competition. He also spoke of the wasting of public money and un-transparent management, while calling for new institutions of transparency and control.
Development Minister Vasso Papandreou said the taxation bill is just and called on social partners to support the government's economic policy for the materialization of common targets.
Source: Athens News Agency
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