Finance Minister Makis Keravnos spoke out yesterday on two pressing issues: the payment of compensation to haircut depositors and bondholders, and the upcoming tax reform.

“There are funds, included in the state budget, for haircut depositors and bondholders,” Keravnos told Brief. He was responding to a report in Alithia newspaper claiming that the department handling compensation was excessively delaying the process for more than 9,000 affected depositors since March 2013.

“The compensation process for haircut depositors and bondholders will continue without interruption, as stipulated by the Cabinet’s decision, since those affected have confirmed their amounts,” he said. He also urged individuals who have not yet registered on the platform to do so in order to validate the sums lost due to the haircut.

The first compensation installment was paid to 200 depositors on August 14.

Meanwhile, associations representing haircut depositors and bondholders are raising concerns over understaffing in the department handling the process. They are calling on the Finance Minister to strengthen the unit, even with temporary staff, to accelerate compensation.

Keravnos also struck a firm tone on the highly contested tax reform. Following a Cabinet meeting, he responded to mounting opposition from political parties and professional associations.

He made it clear that he will not take a “diluted” tax reform to Parliament. He warned that if MPs introduce extensive changes, he will not hesitate to withdraw the reform bills altogether.

The minister stressed that the tax reform must remain progressive, designed to benefit the middle class, employees, and businesses.

“I will not submit a tax reform that fails to serve the interests of the middle class, taxpayers, and our businesses,” he declared.

Reiterating statements he made three weeks ago in an interview with Brief, Keravnos emphasized he is open to constructive, evidence-based proposals.

“I want to hear solutions, and I am ready to adopt anything positive,” he concluded.