The Plenary Session of the Parliament voted in the afternoon, by postponing, the proposal for a law that defines the procedure for the recall of vehicles with defective TAKATA airbags.
The proposal was approved with 51 votes in favor and one against, that of independent MP Andreas Themistokleous who justified his vote by saying that there is a European regulation from 2018 to regulate the issue and therefore no legislation is needed.
The proposal was brought to the Plenary with amendments by the Transport Committee, which were also voted in favor, based on which the Minister of Transport, with his decree, which is published in the Official Gazette of the Republic, determines the revocation procedure, the time period for taking corrective measures, as and the suspension of a certificate of suitability, in the event of non-compliance with the corrective measures, as well as in the event of a recall, which according to the distributor or manufacturer's representative presents a serious risk to public health and safety.
It is understood that the Minister issues the decree for the first time on February 3, 2025, when the law enters into force.
The law proposal was submitted by the MPs of DISY Kyriakos Hatzigiannis, Nikos Sykas and Stavros Papadouris of the Environmental Movement - Citizens' Cooperation.
After the passage of the Takata law proposal, the budget debate began, where party leaders as well as all MPs will take their positions with their speeches.
The state budget of 2025 as originally submitted to the Parliament records an increase in expenses and significant changes in the categories of income and expenses. The total amount of expenditure amounts to 9,4 billion euros, marking an increase of 3,25% compared to the 2024 budget, while the total projected revenue reaches 11,75 billion euros, increased by 4,1%.
The total expenditures of the state budget for 2025 amount to 12,93 billion euros, an amount that also includes the expenditures of the Fixed Fund, amounting to 3,53 billion euros. It is noted that these expenses do not require legislative approval, as they cover fixed expenses of the state.
Direct taxes are expected to increase by 4,9%, reaching €3,92 billion, while indirect taxes are forecast to reach €4,56 billion, registering an increase of 5,6%. Non-tax revenues show the largest percentage increase, of 10,3%, reaching 1,83 billion euros.
Although staff costs are down slightly by 1%, operating costs are up significantly by 21,4%. Transfer payments, which include social benefits and grants, are up 5,3%, while capital expenditure on investment and infrastructure is up 4%. On the contrary, public debt service is reduced by 18,6%.
The Minister of Finance has tabled 34 amendments that include transfers of appropriations and personnel arrangements for the smooth running of the state machinery. These amendments entail additional costs estimated at 25,9 million euros for 2025.
Source: sigmalive
