Dodecanese MP and former Deputy Minister of Culture–Tourism, Giorgos Nikitiadis, reaffirmed PASOK’s firm stance on restoring reduced VAT rates in the Dodecanese during an emergency meeting convened by the Mayor of Rhodes on September 15 regarding the island’s exclusion from the measure.
Nikitiadis stressed the need for unity among all political and social forces of the Dodecanese, underlining that PASOK is actively supporting the fight to reinstate the reduced VAT rates for Rhodes and all islands. He accused some New Democracy MPs of spreading false narratives suggesting PASOK is indifferent to the issue, urging them instead to pressure the Prime Minister to correct what he called the unjust exclusion of Rhodes.
He also highlighted the historical role of PASOK in introducing VAT, the unique challenges faced by the Dodecanese due to distance and national importance, and reiterated that reduced VAT rates are essential for the islands. Quoting PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis, Nikitiadis noted that reduced VAT should be disconnected from the migration issue, applied to all small islands and larger ones like Rhodes, with the difference channeled into a special fund for infrastructure and social welfare.
Nikitiadis concluded that the government, not PASOK, excluded Rhodes from reduced VAT, and called on ND MPs to stop distorting the truth and instead work for unity to resolve the problem.
