In the last period, we Greeks achieved at least 5 national achievements, for which we should all collectively feel proud. It is not simply the result of the efforts of the government, but of the entire Greek people, they are successes of our country”. This was pointed out by the Minister of National Economy and Finance, Kostis Hatzidakis, speaking today at the 35th annual conference of the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce.

As he specifically stated, Greece achieved:

1. The biggest increase in investment in the EU, by 63-64% in the last five years. “Yes, there is an investment gap but we are starting to converge. The creative Greek businessmen and workers helped in this and someone should recognize it”, emphasized Mr. Hatzidakis.

2. The biggest increase in exports also in the last five years across the EU. While compared to 2008, exports as a percentage of GDP have more than doubled. “And that’s why some businessmen and workers worked. As we recognize the successes of athletes, scientists, artists, let’s also see the successes of entrepreneurs and workers. We have every reason to say well done to them, regardless of who is in government,” he said.

3. The biggest reduction in unemployment across the EU. “Five years ago in a country of 10.5 million, half a million Greek men and women who work today, did not have a daily wage. And if they did not work until today, they would face the consequences of inflation from a much worse position. Somehow this also happened, it was not obvious. And it must be recognized,” said the minister.

4. To be in the top-10 of world tourism, despite the coronavirus crisis. “Greece is at the top together with large countries such as the USA, Britain, France, Spain, Italy, with three times more tourists compared to its population. Shouldn’t we congratulate the entrepreneurs and tourism workers? Shouldn’t we feel satisfied about that? Or should we moan about this success?” he asked.

5. To attract investments from Greek shipownerswho are a global force and now have a more distinct presence in our homeland. “Think about how many investments have been made by Greek shipowners recently in tourism, real estate, shipyards, renewable sources. The government is trying to attract them more and more. We don’t want bravos, we are trying to do our job. But what I am pointing out is a reality and we must encourage it further”, noted Mr. Hatzidakis.

“It is true,” he added, “that inflation and the successive crises we have experienced have affected us. We are certainly not one of the first in the EU, but we are not the last as some insist on presenting. Greece is healing the wounds of the unprecedented crisis, but it is steadily rising thanks to the policies adopted by the government and thanks to the entrepreneurs, workers and society as a whole with the national effort being made. This positive development was the result of a policy based on two pillars: fiscal prudence and pro-development policy. Neither one nor the other was a given. That’s why we reached the point in the last decade of not being able to repay what we borrowed and that’s why the government will insist on fiscal prudence, no matter what the sirens of populism say.”

Referring to the budget, Mr. Hatzidakis underlined that without undermining the development effort, as well Greece has high growth rates compared to other EU countries, it has at the same time the fourth highest primary surplus in the EU and debt is deescalating at the highest rates in the EU. As a result, as analysts predict, in 2028 Greece will no longer be the country with the highest debt as a percentage of GDP in the EU.

“In the field of taxation, we implement a policy based on reducing taxes and tackling tax evasion. The first is easy and pro-people, the second is difficult because it has a political cost. A cost that we assumed and today we can say that 2024 was the year with the best results in the battle of tax evasion in modern Greek economic history, with a net benefit of 1.8 billion. euro. Never has any Greek government since the post-colonial period had such tangible results in relation to the Mitsotakis government. And the revenues are used either to strengthen benefits, or to increase public investment, or to further reduce the debt. The effort is gaining ground and of course from now on the revenues will be used even more for the further reduction of taxes”, said the minister.

While in relation to the investment policy, he focused on the reduction of taxation and insurance contributions, the completion of 13 privatizations by TAIPED and the HFSF, the doubling of public investments utilizing European funds and national resources as well as investments in non-state universities. “They will start operating in September 2025,” he said and added: “It is a positive message of liberation from Soviet-style perceptions, Greece is becoming a normal European country in this area as well. But I also emphasize the investment dimension. Greece can become an international educational center, it is an opportunity that we must take advantage of.”

“We will stay,” concluded Mr. Hatzidakis, “firmly on the path of national responsibility. Correcting policies where necessary, listening to suggestions, but always without adding water to the wine of seriousness and responsibility. With a great national alliance of all the people in the political system who may have different opinions but are not inclined to populism, the business people who keep trying and the workers who want their children to live in a better country, we will succeed in raising the Greece even higher”.