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Draft Laws for “relief measures”, VAT reduction, debtors settlement submitted to Greek Parliament

With express procedures the Greek government submitted to Parliament draft laws regarding the relief measures announced last week by Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras as well as the 120-installments settlement for debtors to the state.

The so-called 120 installment draft law, including the debt settlement to the social security funds, tax  offices and municipalities, was introduced to the parliament plenary on Monday evening.

The draft law was introduced to parliamentary committees under fast-track procedures and will be voted by roll-call vote after debate ends on Tuesday.

The draft law includes also an amendment for the reduction of the Value Added Tax from 24% to 13% for certain food items, and from 13% to 6% electricity and natural gas as well to 13% from 24% for catering services, restaurants, grills, cafes, cafeterias etc.

Unfortunately, the V.A.T. for coffee and soft drinks remains at 24%, except for water -also mineral water- that has 13%.

Also on Monday, the draft for the introduction of the so-called 13th pension was submitted

According to the rider, the extra month’s pension will be a permanent measure and will help pensioners as well as those who have a disability or “are not insured,” state news agency amna notes. The payout will be based on the monthly gross pensions received currently and will be protected from confiscation by the state or third parties for outstanding debts. It will be paid out annually in May, with the first payment to be in pensioners’ bank accounts in May, preferably before the elections for European parliaments, Greek municipalities and local governments on May 26.

The pay scale of the bonus will range from an equivalence of 100 pct to 30 pct. For example, pensioners with a gross pension up to 500 euros will get a bonus of 500 euros (100 pct), whereas those with a gross pension of 1,000 euros or above will get a 30 pct bonus.

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