Government to look again into wine tax, says minister, following reactions

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The excise tax on wine became the point of contention in Greek parliament on Wednesday during a joint parliamentary committee debate on the omnibus bill on prior actions, tabled by the government on Wednesday.

The tax, which will add 30 cents to every 750 ml bottle, is one of the alternative measures proposed by the government, along with a separate tax on gambling, to avoid slapping a 23 pct VAT on education.

“We’ll discuss anew the issue of the wine,” Alternate Finance Minister Tryfon Alexiadis said in his speech before the committees. “The government clashes, negotiates and finds the best solution for the citizens,” he added.

Speaking later to journalists, Alexiadis said the issue is being discussed in a meeting which is currently underway between Alternate Finance Minister Giorgos Chouliarakis and the representatives of the institutions. The minister didn’t clarify if the wine tax will be amended or withdrawn. However, the article will be included in tonight’s vote, as scheduled.