Greek govt: Only 15 out of 80 bln€ listed as tax arrears 'collectible'

Only 15 billion euros out of a total of 80 billion listed as arrears by individuals and corporate entities are real and collectible, Economy Minister Giorgos Stathakis said from Parliament’s podium on Wednesday.

The clarified that 65 billion euros considered as tax debts are accrued obligations by companies that have long gone out of business or individuals that have passed away, and as far back as the 1980s

He spoke during debate on a new development law, a subject that resurfaces on Greece’s political stage roughly once or twice every decade by a government in power at the time.  

Stathakis also countered that Greek exports have actually increased, not decreased. He said the reported slump is deceptive, given the drop in fuel prices.