Greece Proposes Using Tourists as Tax Spies to Fill Shortfall

NY Times ^ | March 7, 2015 | Liz Alderman

[C19fan]

Despite the European accord last month to extend a financial lifeline to Greece, Athens is rapidly running out of cash.

So it is scrambling to find new, even radical ways to fill the shortfall — including a proposal to recruit citizens and tourists to spy on suspected tax evaders.

Greece’s coffers may be empty before the end of this month, as tax receipts shrink and the economy shows signs of lapsing back into recession. Athens officials have hinted they may have trouble repaying or refinancing a total of about 7 billion euros, or $7.7 billion, owed in March to the International Monetary Fund and other creditors, or meeting government salary and pension obligations.

[C19fan]

Luv to see the tourism ads from Greece promoting this. "Have you ever dreamed of being a Stasi informant or turning in your parents for the love of Stalin. Now this is your chance. Visit Greece and be an informant during your stay."

[Pearls Before Swine]

That will work wonders for fostering hospitality. /S

[tbw2]

If Greece had problems with its tourism revenue before, they’ll have lots of problems as tourists off the beaten path are beaten up because the locals think they are spies.

[chrisser]

Greece seems to be a good example of socialism running out of other people’s money.

[ChildOfThe60s]

Why would you vacation in a country that could collapse into chaos at any time?

Before anyone calls me alarmist, realize that although it is possible rather than probable, it certainly has the potential to happen. Financial collapse could easily spark rioting etc if it shuts down sufficient vital services all at the same time. Do you want to be in a place that suddenly has no access to medications or emergency medical services?

Which explains why socialists are so set on disarming the population. However, there are still lampposts and ropes I imagine.

[SunkenCiv]

Athens is rapidly running out of cash. So it is scrambling to find new, even radical ways to fill the shortfall -- including a proposal to recruit citizens and tourists to spy on suspected tax evaders.

Leftist gov't of the Syriza party is running out of cash, and not surprisingly, wants to implement a police state to facilitate tax collection.

Gosh, I guess that's someone else's fault. /s

[St_Thomas_Aquinas]

Closing the loopholes should work this time. This time it will be different.