The government of New Democracy (ND) is using 'creative accounting' instead of defining the actual fiscal space, PASOK-Movement for Change (KINAL) spokesman Kostas Tsoukalas claimed on Friday, speaking to ERT radio's First Program.
"There are no more arguments that can camouflage the collapse of purchasing power and the persistently high cost of living. They (ND) cannot answer why the prime minister has been announcing 'the end of high prices' these past four years," Tsoukalas said.
He also accused the government of providing inconsistent numbers: "Three days ago it said that the cost of increasing pensions was 1.5 billion euros, then it said it was 1.3 billion euros. In reality, it is even lower." PASOK-KINAL's spokesman also spoke of wage earners' incomes: "A 46.3% of wage earners (nearly 1.1 million citizens) earn up to 1,000 euros gross. This means 824 euros net. With a 24% VAT cost on expenses, this leaves 626 euros. A 16.2% (463,000 citizens) receive from 1,000 to 1,200 euros gross, or nearly 956 euros net. After VAT, it leaves 726 euros. These are the numbers and true results of the New Democracy rule. This is the picture of society now."
Tsoukalas called for "a radical change of ruling model and a new mix of economic, taxation, and social policy." This, he said, would be clearly outlined by PASOK at the upcoming Thessaloniki International Fair, "with costs, priorities, and clear scheduling."