PASOK-KINAL: 'First time we see corporate social responsibility subsidized by citizens'

PASOK-KINAL has launched a strong attack on the Greek government, accusing it of using taxpayer money to subsidize ferry companies. The party, through its representative Kostas Tsoukalas, is questioning a recent decision by the Council of Ferry Communications.

According to PASOK-KINAL, the council decided to create a mechanism where the state will compensate companies for social discounts, aiming to prevent fare increases. This state compensation mechanism amounts to 60 million euros and will reportedly cover part of the profits lost by companies due to these discounts. PASOK-KINAL raises concerns about whether ferry companies are maintaining their excessive profits with state support.

The party has posed several pointed questions to the government. They ask where the 60 million euros will come from, highlighting the government's willingness to support large businesses while rejecting proposals for aid to young people, borrowers, small and medium-sized enterprises, and pensioners. PASOK-KINAL also questions why the government chooses to subsidize companies for "corporate social responsibility" using Greek taxpayers' money, calling it an unprecedented move.

Furthermore, the party seeks details on the nature and terms of this new, allegedly opaque "gentlemen's agreement" with the ferry companies, inquiring about any commitments from the companies' side. They also question how equal discounts for vulnerable social groups will be ensured and why the government hasn't pursued a reduction in VAT on ferry tickets. Finally, PASOK-KINAL asks why the payment of the transport equivalent to citizens and businesses entitled to it is delayed amidst high costs and inflation, and how transparent the measure is given the Competition Committee's upcoming conclusions on the ferry sector.