IMF: Collect your taxes if you do not want cuts in wages and pensions

 

In statements earlier today, Thursday, IMF deputy spokesman William Murray said that decisions on employment will depend on the success of the tax reform, but declined to respond about the relevant report of the IMF and the EU on the tax issue.

 

Regarding taxation, Murray said that if there is more progress on structural reforms, especially in the efficient collection of taxes, then the Greek government will be able to avoid further cuts in wages and pensions.

 

In response to a question about the possibility of layoffs of 25,000 workers in the public sector over the next three months, the IMF deputy spokesman said that adjusting the level of employment depends on the efforts of the Greek authorities to do a better job in collecting taxes and that there is nothing specific so far.

 

Murray said that the Greek government is preparing a plan for the necessary staff in every public service that will not affect the critical positions but might bring adjustments. He added that they have not discussed numbers of layoffs, reiterating that the final result will depend on the efficiency of the taxation system.

 

As for Poul Thomsen he said he will come to Greece early next week, but the IMF technical team is already in the country and in cooperation with the EU and the European Central Bank, is assessing the progress of the program.