“The the government’s alleged economic miracle rests on shaky foundations as the big issue for Greek society is the accuracythe inflation of food that grows, which in March was more than four times and in April more than three times the European average”, underlined the Nikos Androulakis in his speech at the Economist conference.

THE president of PASOK-Movement for Change he mentioned how everyday life makes it difficult to increase inflexible spending while private debt grows, as “you all know very well in small and medium enterprises, and the substantial exclusion experienced from access to cheap credit”. He added that the government is hiding the problems behind the juncture of the package of European resources, however, the fiscal flexibility in Europe due to the pandemic and the war in Ukraine was not exploited in a serious and beneficial way for the economy and society, nor was the Recovery Fund. “Instead of changing our productive pattern, the government’s economic policy has simply led to a short-term boost to the economy after the deep recession of 2020,” Mr. Androulakis pointed out.

Argued that “the so-called economic miracle turns out to be a virtual reality. The first bell rang ELSTAT, with growth landing at 2% of GDP from the 2.4% you forecast. Investments actually increased by only 7%, while according to the Budget, the economic staff was forecasting an increase of 15.5%. The second loud bell came from Moody’s and the JP Morganwhich did not upgrade the Greek economy and the Stock Exchange, so the structural weaknesses of the economy are now visible”.

Describe in detail as unfavorable long-term fiscal data making more specific reference to investments. “But the most infuriating thing is that the government celebrates the records in foreign direct investments. The truth is that in 2023 they were reduced by 40% compared to 2022. The figures show that foreign investments in our country have returned to the levels of 2019.

Over 45% of foreign investment was real estate because of the Golden visa, which results in the de-Hellenization of Greek property in order to hoard foreign funds! “, Mr. Androulakis pointed out and emphasized how “during the days of the government of Mr. Mitsotakis, the international competitiveness of the country is deteriorating! According to the latest data from the Institute for Management Development (IMD), Greece fell to 49th place among 64 countries, from 47th place in the previous corresponding report.

Argued that to combat tax evasion no substantive checks are being made as the government chooses to revert to outdated and leveling presumption measures dating back decades. “For PASOK, a national goal is the immediate creation of a “Made in Greece” National Strategic Development Plan, utilizing the comparative advantages we have through national and European funding. In this plan, small and medium entrepreneurship is at the center”, underlined Nikos Androulakis while accusing the government of how “it is more interested in settling interests called reforms. Real reforms modernize the state, put rules in the operation of the market, and strengthen the competitiveness of the economy. It does not concern the small and medium-sized business »

For the strengthening and development of small and medium enterprises, the president of PASOK-KINAL proposed:

  • The three-year exemption from the realized profits tax, as an incentive for the creation of new business models
  • Special lines of financing from the Recovery Fund only for small and medium-sized enterprises, as was done in Portugal, without making their access dependent on the banks’ commercial criteria for investments in innovation, energy adaptation, digital transformation.
  • Focus of the Development Bank on the financing of investments of small and medium enterprises.
  • For the accumulated debts to tax and insurance funds, real arrangements in 120 installments, with a 30% haircut for those who are consistent.
  • A second chance at dignity, with protection of the first home, to those who are demonstrably unable to pay their debts.
  • Incentives for new hires of new full-time staff,
  • Establishment of an unencumbered account for businesses,
  • Abolish the pretense fee.
  • Pressure on Banks to reduce their fees in electronic transactions,
  • To provide incentives for the installation of small-scale photovoltaic panels in small businesses,

Mr. Androulakis underlined how the European elections on June 9 they are the opportunity to lay the foundations for a major change that will breathe life into the economy and society.

“Let’s send a message to the government that 41% cannot be the answer to criticism. To claim additional funds for small and medium enterprises. To achieve this we need common financial tools for development that will lead to the convergence of the European Union’s economies again, such as the European Economic Sovereignty Fund.

A fund that through joint borrowing, i.e. a Eurobond, will finance the productive sectors that are currently in third countries. This new breath can be guaranteed by the European Socialists and PASOK, in order to achieve a strong Greece in Europe and the world”, he concluded.