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Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 17-01-17Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>CONTENTS
[01] Draft report on loans to political parties, media, show 'blatant' violations of bank rules, says committee headThe draft conclusions on a parliamentary investigation into shady loans granted to political parties and media groups by banks was handed over by the majority to the rapporteurs of the opposition parties, the president of the parliamentary committee and SYRIZA MP Antonis Balomenakis said on Monday.Balomenakis said the text attempts to capture "in a very specific way" a variety of violations and offenses in connection with the issue discussed in the committee. "What became clear to all citizens during the parliamentary committee meetings is that in many cases of lending to parties and media, especially after the start of the crisis, entrenched and necessary guarantees used by banks were bypassed and guarantees were given to inconsistent borrowers," he said, adding that in other cases, statements which were obviously false were accepted as true. A result of this tactic which became systematic was to "favor blatantly and openly" New Democracy and PASOK, especially after the start of the crisis, as well as large media groups which benefited from loans granted without guarantees, Balomenakis said. [02] Government will not impose new taxes, says Dep. FinMinThe government will not impose new taxes and will not lower the income tax threshold until 2018, Deputy Finance Minister Katerina Papanatsiou told public television channel ERT on Monday, adding the latter is a red line for the government in its negotiations with the institutions."Whatever we voted, it's been voted," she said, adding that if the government meets its fiscal targets and reduces tax evasion with the use of credit/debit cards it may even reduce indirect taxes in the future. Papanatsiou also estimated that public revenues in 2016 will have exceeded targets by 3 percent. Asked about Greece's talks with its creditors, the minister said the program review will conclude soon as the government has finished with 95 percent of the pending issues. [03] Lesvos to receive 450,000 euros to restore damages from severe weatherThe ministry of interior approved on Monday the disbursement of 450,000 euros for Lesvos, to help the island tackle the damages caused by the recent adverse weather.According to the ministry, the 300,000 euros will fund the reparation of the water supply network, in order to address the problem of water scarcity and the remaining 150,000 will be used to repair damage caused to the island's infrastructure. Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |