In an interview with the German Handelsblatt on Tuesday o Minister of National Economy and Finance, Kostis Hatzidakisemphasizing that “we see the upgrade as a sign of confidence, but above all as an obligation to adhere to our prudent fiscal and economic policy”.

Mr. Hatzidakis underlined that Greece is among the EU countries with the highest growth. The growth rate of the Greek economy is forecast to reach 2.4% this year and 3% next year, the minister estimated, with tourism, increased exports and private sector investment as the main drivers, which have increased impressively since took over the government of the country n Mitsotakis government.

“We have reduced corporate taxes from 28% to 22% and we have also reduced social security contributions. With our labor market reforms we have strengthened the protection of workers and at the same time improved the competitiveness of our economy”, the Minister emphasized, adding that “we not only offer the right policy mix for investors, but also political stability”.

Asked about the negotiations taking place within it The European Union regarding the reform of the Stability and Development Pact, the Minister noted that Greece supports the view that there is a need for greater flexibility in the formulation of the rules, so that the member states also have scope for state investments, a position supported by other countries. However, Greece is and will remain on the path of fiscal seriousness.

At the same time, he underlined the need to exclude defense spending from the measurement of deficits, a view supported by other member countries, such as Poland, Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia. “We should not be punished by the European Union for meeting our obligations in NATO,” he said.

Mr. Hatzidakis emphasized that Greece, despite high public debt, has kept its budget deficit under control, achieving rapid debt reduction in recent years. It predicted it would have fallen to 159% of GDP at the end of 2023 from 206.3% in 2020.