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Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 15-12-30
CONTENTS
[01] Economy minister doesn't rule out tax on banking transactions
[02] Municipality of Athens to open heated areas for the homeless ahead
of cold spell
[01] Economy minister doesn't rule out tax on banking transactions
Economy, Development and Tourism Minister Giorgos Stathakis didn't rule
out the possibility of imposing a tax on banking transactions as part of
the government's efforts to increase revenues, according to statements
made to a Greek private radio station on Tuesday.
"We try to find revenues for the system that will have a minimal element
of justice. The options are limited. Some type of tax on transactions,
if it is well-planned, cannot be ruled out," the minister told Real FM
earlier today, adding that a similar tax on large transactions has been
imposed in other European countries.
Commenting on non-performing loans (NPLs), he said that the government
will submit a new law before Feb. 15 that will exclude three types
of loans from being sold to private funds – mortgage loans on main
residence, loans of small and medium-sized businesses and consumer loans.
[02] Municipality of Athens to open heated areas for the homeless ahead
of cold spell
The municipality of Athens is opening up a room and a municipal gym
to shelter homeless people and vulnerable groups from the imminent bad
weather, it was announced on Tuesday.
The National Weather Service warned that temperatures will drop
significantly in the next 24 hours, with sleet and wind expected for most
of the country and snow forecast for the mountainous and northern regions.
On Wednesday, the municipality said it will open at 10.00 a heated
hall in the district of Kolonos (Lenorman & 35 Alexandrias streets)
for the homeless who need a warm place to stay. On Thursday, the closed
municipal gymnasium in the district of Rouf (Pireos & 69 Ehelidon streets)
will also be available and will remain open for as long as it is required.
Municipal authorities along with volunteering organizations will also
start informing homeless people about the availability of these places,
while citizens are urged to contact authorities on 1595 in cases of
emergency.
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