Confident that the Greek economy will achieve the goal of a primary surplus of 1.1% of GDP at the end of the year, states the Minister of National Economy and Finance Kostis Hatzidakis. Speaking to APE-MPE, the Minister of Finance points out that, in relation to previous estimates, in the final text of the budget submitted on Tuesday, investments change significantly for the better, on the one hand (expected to increase in 2024 at a rate of 15.1 % against a previous forecast for an increase of 12.1%), and on the other hand the large increase in expenditure on Health and Education.

Asked about possible changes to the new way of taxing the self-employed, he leaves open the possibility, after the public consultation, of changes, saying that “as with any public consultation we will consider all comments honestly and impartially”. However, he adds, that “any changes will be partial”, pointing out that the State cannot continue to “bless” tax evasion.

At the same time, the minister shows that he does not share the concerns of the Bank of Greece about a new increase in “red” loans due to inflation and high interest rates, saying that “it does not seem that in the visible horizon we will have a new rise in them (in terms of interest rates from the ECB)”. And he states that “the boost that our policy gives to the economy is also the best defense” for “red” loans, while there is also a second counterweight, the current institutional framework that is being strengthened.