Survey finds almost 70 pct of Greeks will be unable to pay their taxes

A survey by the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry published on Tuesday found that 69 percent of Greeks will not be able to pay their taxes this year and 89 percent believe recent measures raising taxes and social security contributions will lead to a deeper recession.

According to the “Economic Barometer” survey conducted by Alco for the chamber, only 6 percent of respondents said they trust the government’s reform policies and just 7 percent believe current economic policy can help towards achieving fiscal targets. The majority, 78 percent, said they believe additional fiscal measures will be required to put the Greek economy back on track.

As to the general prospects of the economy, 78 percent of respondents said they are pessimistic, 14 percent expressed optimism and 8 percent chose not to answer.

On the issue of payments, 69 percent of respondents said they do not believe they will be able to pay their tax and social security contributions in 2016, showing a 10 percent rise from February 2014 when a similar survey was conducted.

“The economic policy mix being pursued over the past few years is sinking the country into recession. Taxpayers and businesses are in a particularly unfortunate position as seven in 10 say they cannot meet their tax and social security obligations,” chamber president Constantinos Michalos said.

The survey questioned 1,000 individuals over the age of 18 in different parts of the country, from May 30 to June 2.