“The state budget of 2024 consolidates the development dynamics of Greece with a strong social sign and lays the foundations for the future. Our compass is long-term strategic planning, fiscal stability and social cohesion”, emphasized the Minister of State Stavros Papastavrou, during the discussion of the new budget in the Plenary of the Parliament.

As Mr. Papastavrou said, “we must prepare for the challenges and take advantage of tomorrow’s opportunities, because developments are rapid in every corner of the planet, in technology, climate change, demographics, energy, at every level of of life and test both the adaptation and the resilience of each country, however strong it may be”.

The Minister of State put the tripartite “long-term strategic planning, fiscal stability and social cohesion” as the compass of the government’s policy.

“In our country, with targeted policies and long-term strategic planning, this year we managed to reach 45% of electricity generation from the sun and wind, while, if we add hydroelectric energy, electricity generation from renewable sources reaches almost 57%,” he said.

He emphasized “the utilization of the country’s natural wealth, with a plan and respect for the environment” pointing out that “we are already in the top ten in the use of renewable energy sources worldwide”.

The Minister of State made an assessment of the first four years of the Government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis, underlining that it “implemented all its pre-election commitments”. “He cut taxes and levies, tripled the minimum wage, created more and better jobs. At the same time, it strengthened its deterrent capacity and shielded its borders, which are at the same time European,” he said and added: “Greece today is stronger than ever, having developed strong alliances. The virtuous cycle of debt reduction and the increase in trust in country is the culmination of the national effort and sacrifices of all Greek citizens”.

“Our goal must be the investment level that was recovered and the steady rise of the Greek economy, to lead to more jobs, better wages, for Education and Health for everyone and especially for the most vulnerable, but also the visibility and inclusion of persons with disabilities, in every action of the state planning. And the government works systematically in order to achieve the equal participation of our fellow citizens with disabilities in every aspect of everyday life,” he said.

The Minister of State also emphasized the design of legislation, in terms of good legislation” because as he said, “laws are the pre-eminent non-fiscal tool of the State for social, economic and political stability, progress and prosperity”.

“The 2024 Budget, approved by the Eurogroup, without asterisks, reflects our efforts for an ever-growing, sustainable and fair economy. With realistic, costed and well-designed policies. With an emphasis on the economy and development, at the same time with social sensitivity and a better everyday life for everyone”, he underlined.

In closing, Mr. Papastavrou underlined that “Greece, in recent years, has acquired a mature pace, in a constantly changing world”.

“With this year’s budget, we validate our forward path, with all citizens, for all citizens, we lay the foundations for the future with a long-term, documented and visionary plan”, concluded the Minister of State.