of Yiannis Anifantis

“We are moving forward with seriousness. By turning a deaf ear to the populists and the temporary happy solutions that we have paid dearly for in this place.” With this phrase he completed his placement in its standing committee on economic affairs Parliament the Minister of Economy and Finance Kostis Hatzidakispresenting the key points of the state budget for 2025, pointing out that no one is arguing that the country has turned into a paradise but all economic indicators are improving.

“We are not suggesting that the situation is rosy. Despite the drop, unemployment is at high levels, wages are low, the situation is far from rosy in bad loans. We know the effects of inflation and housing. No one claimed that Greece has turned into a paradise. This is where we all were, last decade. The consequences of this crisis are still here. Two wars are unfolding in our neighborhood. However, we do not grant anyone the monopoly of social sensitivity. There is a clear improvement in all sectors in our country”, pointed out Kostis Hatzidakis, clarifying that the improvements in the economy did not happen automatically but some government worked for them.

“Obviously we are not claiming that everything has become glass, but not for everyone to say what they want in the Parliament,” he stressed in response to the criticism of the opposition, contrasting its objections with the overperformance of revenues amounting to 3.7 billion euros. In fact, he attributed the greatest amount of overperformance to electronic transactions and POS interconnection, while 1.15 billion came from corporate tax and 300 million from the extraordinary refinery levy. “This is the outperformance and it was done with seven reduced taxes. Do you remember any other period in recent history when we had such a big fight against tax evasion with such tangible results?” he asked, addressing the minority.

According to the Minister, the state budget combines the three elements of fiscal prudence, development and social cohesion actions. “Let’s not spend more than we can afford because we are in uncertain and turbulent times. The bill will not come to you but to the citizens”, emphasized K. Hatzidakis, underlining that the government will continue to move forward with a sense of responsibility for the economy, knowing that its improvement is a “national bet”.