Tsipras meets business leaders ahead of Thessaloniki International Fair

Representatives of Greece's business chambers presented their positions and proposals for issues affecting them, especially with respect to non-performing loans and the measures for dealing with these.

During the meeting, Tsipras pledged that a SYRIZA government will make immediate changes to current legislation if elected to power and correct tax injustices, as well as creating an environment that promotes growth through measures to alleviate problems due to excessive debts, including those to state insurance, and to lower energy costs.

Michalos and other members of the delegation proposed different handling for businesses that were unable to handle their debt load but were still viable, with an adjustment of their debt to levels that could be paid off, and a "second-chance" scheme through rapid ratification of pre-agreed restructuring processes for improving efficiency, liquidity and credit-worthiness.

They also urged different treatment of SMEs and micro-business loans from that given to large companies and a lower overall tax burden on business, as well as an end to crippling fines and punitive penalties - including arrest - imposed for tax-related offenses.

In statements after the meeting, Tsipras said he had chosen to speak first with the representatives of Greece's chambers in order to get an accurate picture of the market and listen to specific proposals and solutions that might help the country's economy recover from the crisis. He asked Michalos and the union's representatives for their permanent feedback and cooperation so that their proposals might be considered in drawing up SYRIZA's policy.

Tsipras announced that SYRIZA will soon launch a series of special events on the economy and ways to return to growth, stressing that this demanding support for SMEs and the production base, which he said could achieve high growth rates up to three or four times the European average.