IT'S ABOUT TIME - Greek Shipowners Say They Will Support State Budget

It is about time! Greek shipowners, who until now have enjoyed a tax free life in Greece, said that they are going to support the state budget with 140 million Euros annually for the next four years. Peanuts some would say, but at least it is a step in the right direction, because 140 x 4 = 520 million and many jobs can be created with this kind of money!

The announcement was made while they met with Prime Minister Antonis Samaras. On his part Samaras said this was a significant decision and praised the role of Greek shipowners underlining that the shipping sector has always supported the country's efforts.

Samaras said that 90 pct of the shipping fleet under Greek flag and a 65 pct of the fleet under foreign flag is planning to support this effort in a first stage. As such, the shipowners are set to immediately offer 75 million Euros and then the Greek shipowners union is planning to support the state budget with 140 million Euros annually, for the next four years.

(Editor: They will never gain the prestige of Aristotle Onassis, who unlike them, fully and unconditionally supported the Greek economy and the product called Greece. Today's shipowners unfortunately threaten to change their flag to a foreign one every time the government asks them to pay taxes!)