SYRIZA ‘axes’ top candidate Katrougalos after latter hints at higher taxes, contributions for self-employed professionals

Main opposition SYRIZA party on Thursday announced that MP and former minister George Katrougalos was being “withdrawn from the election race”, meaning the general election on Sunday, only hours after the latter more-or-less said that if returned to power the party would again raise tax prepayments and social security contributions for self-employed professionals.

The comments by Katrougalos, made during a live late-night public affairs program, were immediately pounced on by incumbent New Democracy (ND) candidates and the government spokesman.

In its statement, the leftist party said “the middle classes, following major sacrifices, paid a high price for the crisis and the arrogant policies of (Prime Minister Kyriakos) Mitsotakis, who didn’t care. Therefore, the middle class has a right to a lesser burden”.’

Katrougalos, a former labor and foreign affairs minister, also said he was “withdrawing from the election battle”, and referred to “personal views” that deviated from the stated policy statements of the party.

Conversely, interior ministry sources on Thursday said Katrougalos’ candidacy in the upcoming election remains valid, as his name is already printed on ballots.

“It remains in effect, given the fact that his candidacy was officially announced by the Supreme Court, therefore, he has the right to surrender his parliamentary seat if he is elected,” the ministry’s directorate of elections stated.