In its statement, the alliance linked the prime minister’s remarks to the description “unmoored” used yesterday by Alexis Tsipras. It also recalled the former prime minister’s reference to Mitsotakis as the “high priest of corruption”, citing recent interviews given by Mitsotakis’ nephew, who served as the government’s secretary-general.
The statement focused in particular on the housing crisis. The Greek Left Alliance criticised the government’s consideration of additional taxes on vacant properties, as well as its rent subsidy policy, arguing that in many cases it leads to further increases in rents.
It also called on the state to take responsibility for providing housing for doctors, teachers and workers in essential services in island and remote areas, rather than shifting the burden to local government.
On the cost-of-living crisis, the statement challenged the argument that cutting VAT on essential goods would carry a fiscal cost, saying large budget surpluses leave room for tax relief.
It also restated the four proposals put forward by Alexis Tsipras and the Greek Left Alliance to bring down fuel prices:
A cap on refinery profit margins, in addition to those of retail fuel outlets.
An extraordinary tax on refineries’ excess profits.
Halving the Special Consumption Tax, bringing it down to the minimum level permitted by the EU.
Cutting VAT on fuel to 13%.
The statement says the aim is to set a price cap of €1.40 per litre for heating oil and €1.80 for diesel. The alliance notes that two of the proposals would have a fiscal cost and two would not.
It concludes that the government’s choices are widening social inequalities and squeezing the incomes of the less well-off, and calls for political change and a change in policy.