“We must always find the golden cut, between growth and fiscal stability. Only in this way do we shape the conditions for a strong society and not for a well -being, which will be lost at the first moment of the juncture, “the Minister of National Economy and Finance said. Kyriakos Pierrakakis explaining the philosophy on which the ‘built’ was built budget of 2026.
“In this text in front of you the maximum is made, based on the country’s fiscal capabilities,” Kyriakos Pierrakakis said of the draft budget of 2026, which for two days, today and tomorrow, will deal with the work of the House of Finance Committee. In this way, he responded to the general rapporteurs of the opposition parties who accused the government of drafting a pre -emptive plan for fiscal balance because although it included TIF announcements, in practice it would not relieve society, mainly because of its indirect taxation.
“The maximum that can be done, based on the country’s fiscal capabilities, here in this text. Are they sufficient? I answer that the only way to make it sufficient is to continue systematically on this route. To be able to produce surpluses, to be able to grow at the same time, above average, to be a pillar of stability, political and budgetary, to increase investment. Because if we really want to see what the image of Greece’s productive model is, we have to think about what we have received and where we are. Greece has achieved a very big improvement but it has not yet reached the point where it can reach, “the minister stressed, saying,” We received the investment in GDP at 11% in 2019 with the European media sitting at 21%. It is now 15.3%, with the budget forecast constantly increasing year by year. We have a route. And the growth side, which is clearly better than the European average, will always get better as this systematic work continues. “
“Indeed, there are still bets to be won, citizens who need to be supported, a society that needs to be even more assisted, especially in the actions it hurts, because it hurts in places. But tell me, what is the alternative way to treat them? Look at stamps, and constantly do an even better job. Because those who promised in Greek society that they could solve problems with a magical solution, usually not only did not solve them but worsened the country’s prospect. This is what the story shows, “Mr Pierrakakis said to add:” Well, we have this in front of us. This draft goes one step further, it is in favor of society, and that is why we are extremely proud to have it here in the Greek Parliament. “
Debt
During the debate, the government was criticized and why Greece repaid debt earlier. “Debt would be cash if we did not pay debt earlier. Real estate. We would not allow us the expense rule to spend them. What to do with cash? On the contrary, the fact that we choose to do this signal, repaying the first memorandum in markets, shows a fiscal seriousness. And Greece, at the moment, objectively, has a growth rate that is much higher than the European average, “said the Minister of National Economy and Finance, who had a little earlier noted that in 2026, the general government’s debt, as a percentage of GDP, is expected to present the highest year.
“It is going to be below 140% of GDP, at 137.6% of GDP, which will be the lowest level since 2010 and which is highly likely, with this calculation, that Greece ceases to be the most over -indebted country in the EU. Citizens, after paying less interest annually. It’s not just this effect though. The lowest debt affects growth through the positive message it gives to investors, “the minister said.
‘Congratulations on Management’
Mr Pierrakakis also referred to the credit rates the country because of prudent management.
“I will never claim that Greece is an economic paradise. But anyone who claims that Greece is a hell should live elsewhere, “the Minister of National Economy said, noting:” Every time we talk to European institutions, at this time, the first thing our partners tell us there is ‘Congratulations on the management you have achieved.’ This while many other European countries are facing problems right now. French and Italian sprand reflect something in relation to ours. And yes, I agree. All this has been done with the blood of the Greek people. With a monstrous difficulty, we lost 25 units of our GDP. One can see what the debate in France is right now, in relation to reforms that have not been made for the two holiday days. And no, I won’t just say about the New Democracy. Anyone who has ruled, I am sure, especially in difficult times, smiles in relation to what the Greek people have been called upon to face and did not knelt when he was called upon to pass. So we have done a very difficult job and in the basics of this difficult job we must be able to agree. That is, we are talking about surpluses, when the surplus we are talking about is primary. “
The budget
Referring in particular to the budget of 2026, the Minister of National Economy and Finance noted the importance of fiscal stability as a factor in maintaining trust in financial management so as not to threaten growth. At the same time, income and investment policy should not exceed the threshold so as not to threaten stability, he said. Mr Pierrakakis pointed out that for 2025 the Greek economy is foreseen, for a sixth year, to continue to have a significant higher growth rate than the eurozone average, an increase in nominal GDP is forecast, and domestic inflation is expected to retreat. He made specific reference to the support measures of society, announced by the prime minister at the TIF, and which he noted, this support would be expanded, as long as the policy of stability and development continues. As the renovation of income tax is emphasized, with emphasis on young people, families with children and the middle class. “The reduction in rates benefits employees, retirees, farmers, freelancers,” the minister said, stressing that interventions are lifting more than 4 million citizens from tax burdens. But measures with local characteristics and mortgage interventions will favor more than 1 million citizens. The abolition of offsetting pension increases with personal difference will favor 670,000 pensioners.
In this climate, he also reminded of interventions, such as increases in pensions, based on GDP and inflation, the strengthening of low -income pensioners and disabled, with 250 euros each November, the reduction and nihilism of tax rates for young people, the gradual abolition of Citizens’ income and this aid will boost growth. He noted that unemployment is already in a single -digit rate and is expected to further decline in 2026 to reach 8.6%, that is, “the lowest unemployment rate after 2008”.