The presidents of the two agencies Stratos Paradias and Stavros Kafounis presented a joint proposal that was submitted this morning to the prime minister and the relevant ministers, Finance and Development & of Investments, states the following in detail:
“The need to continue supporting commercial enterprises in order to survive in the difficult post-Covid-19 era is a given, especially for those housed in The same applies to the owners of commercial properties, who expect to cover their tax and other obligations, firstly ENFIA, from the rents of their properties.
With the decision of the Ministry of Finance of 10.07.2020, the mandatory reduction of 40% of professional rents was limited to only five sectors of activity. The Athens Chamber of Commerce, which from the beginning of the crisis had decisively claimed the reduction in question, had requested insisted on the inclusion of trade in these sectors, until the end of the year 2020. POMIDA had asked for the subsidy of the rents that were cut by government decisions, while at the same time it had called on the owners to do what they deem necessary in each case, to help their tenants to keep their businesses open.
In view of the fact that with this decision our requests were not accepted while we are already in the middle of a critical month for economy, we looked for a common way of successfully approaching the subject, guided by the mutual and general social interest. After an exhaustive dialogue, with the responsibility that characterizes our organizations, WE ASK THE STATE TO LEGISLATE the tax refund of 30% of the loss of rent, already in force for the forced reductions, AS AN INCENTIVE and for any rent reductions of up to 40% voluntarily agreed between of both sides, for the period until 31.12.2020!
The adoption by the Government of the joint proposal of our organizations for the almost symbolic, but absolutely necessary, reward of those landlords who will respond voluntarily and without the element of coercion to this proposal, will facilitate consent exactly where it is necessary to save existing tenancies, businesses and jobs across the country, will contribute substantially to stimulating economic activity and will finally protect the tax revenues of the State, but also the real estate market from another disastrous “backsliding”!
ESA and POMIDA, with this our proposal, we demonstrate in practice that we intervene seriously in the public debate, proposing to the State sustainable solutions to the problems.
Knowing your sensitivity in matters of cooperation and understanding, we consider that this initiative of ours is a unique example for society and we hope for your positive response, which will be applauded by everyone and justified by its result”.
SOURCE: APE-ME
