An Open Letter to Mr George Papaconstantinou Greek Minister of Finance

This letter was written by an ex-UK resident who has lived in Rhodes for over 10 years.

An open letter to Mr. George Papaconstantinou, Greek Minister of Finance

CC: Mr. George Papandreou, Prime Minister
      Greek Newspapers
      www.livinginrhodes.com

Dear Sir

We would like you to be aware of an asset to this country (Greece) that is being overlooked and now penalized. We understand and agree that something must be done to put Greece back on track financially, but there are thousands of ex-pats living in Greece. Those on a pension have seen their income drop due to the exchange rate of the pound to the euro. We are no part of the great tax avoidance game that is played here, we have no cousins in the tax office, no brothers in IKA, no godparents in the judicial system.

We pay taxes abroad and then again here, not only does all our income get spent in Greece but we also have family and friends visiting. A large percentage of tourism is generated by us. Our visitors do not stay in the all-inclusive hotels which are killing the industry: We eat out, hire cars, go on trips and spend more money which goes directly to the people and not into the pockets of tour companies and foreign hotel owners.

Many of us have built houses, many pay rent, some work, we pay our bills and taxes. But life is becoming more difficult, and now we have begun to leave, some back to Britain, Germany, Italy, and some to cheaper countries such as Turkey and Bulgaria, all with sadness because they have no other choice.

We ask you to bear this in mind when raising property, purchase and transport taxes.

We may only be a small goose but our golden eggs will be missed!

A very concerned resident of Greece