The General Director of the Ministry of Finance, George Pantelis, was hosted at Mesimeri kai Kati, who spoke about the second thoughts on the issue of limousines.
He initially said that the measure was based on the transfer of benefits that were suspended during the financial crisis of 2013, while it was assessed that it does not burden the state budget, as the vehicles were under the jurisdiction of the state.
He added that the parties were consulted to restore the benefit and thus the regulations were amended in Parliament.
He added that due to the reactions, there are thoughts of withdrawing these regulations. "An announcement will be issued today and will be sent to the House of Representatives." He explained that the issue will be judged by a decision of the Minister of Finance.
He clarified that the use of vehicles would be for official purposes. "There were no negative reactions from the parties."
Mr. Pantelis explained that it was a benefit and a facility to public officials.
Finally, he stated that there is no compensatory measure.
However, the Audit Office posted on Twitter, responding to DISY MP Onoufrios Koullas regarding the issue of limousines.
The Audit Office wrote "Our response to MP Onoufrios Koullas who accused us of populism for our reference to limousines. Yes. We consider that, for example, a Volvo S90 - D4 Momentum, 2.000cc tax-free value of € 28.500, clearly exceeds this average citizen and can reasonably be called a limousine ".
Example from the recent purchase of vehicles for government officials. From what the DGs want to be given as if it were their own, with the right to take them on excursions and other private travel. We insist that this is a scandalous request. https://t.co/Xb3vUng4of
- Odysseas Michaelides (@OMichaelides) January 24, 2022