Tax bombs "levelling" society

New taxes, a volley of privatizations and employee redundancies in the wider public sector are called for, according to information, by the emergency plan which is being discussed by the cabinet at this time.

The tax equalization of heating and car petrol is a given, as is the imposition of a levy on natural gas and soft drinks, as well as a 20% tax on annual vehicular tax.

There will also be cuts in benefits, while a levy will be imposed on supplementary pensions.

Scenarios such as a VAT increase in dozens of daily products, as well as a reduction of tax exemptions down to between 10.000 to 8.000 are still being debated.

Also imposed will be an unemployment contributory tax in the public sector, while the contribution to unemployment benefits will also be raised in the private sector. The taxation formulation will be changed in relation to tobacco, while taxation exclusions and benefits will also be reduced.

Final decisions and additional measures will be decided upon in the next cabinet meeting mid-week.