Chr. Staikouras: At 4 billion the support measures that have been taken or are being launched

“The crisis of the war in Ukraine is affecting, but it will not divert the Greek economy”, pointed out the Minister of Finance, Christos Staikouras, adding from the podium of the ND pre-conference held in Thessaloniki that “irreversible situations will not be created. We have proved that in difficult times we can “.

“The achievements and positive prospects that have been achieved in recent years are blurred by the current situation and the recent difficulties and challenges. However, the strong foundations laid in previous years make us optimistic that the new crisis will hit, but will not divert “The new crisis is creating additional difficulties, but it will not lead to irreversible situations. In any case, we are aware of the escalation of problems in the field of economy,” he said.

Despite the huge challenges and the high uncertainty “ND has proved that in difficult times it can, and that is why I am sure that despite the big storms, the Greek economy will eventually lead to an environment of high and sustainable growth, creating many new jobs and strengthening “I strongly believe that with unity and political cohesion we will succeed,” he said.

Referring to the course of the Greek economy, the Minister of Finance pointed out that the recovery of 2021 was strong “covering the losses of 2020”, the composition of GDP improved, as there was a significant increase in both investment and exports, the turnover of companies in 2021 exceeded 15 billion euros in 2019 and unemployment shrank significantly. “Unemployment is now at the level of 2010 and despite the fact that the relevant index decreased by four points, we still do not celebrate,” he stressed.

Emphasizing that the Greek government cares for today but without undermining tomorrow, Mr. Staikouras, referring to the global phenomenon of accuracy, noted that “to date, the total number of measures taken or launched in April is close to 4 billion. “Since the beginning of 2020, we have responded promptly, vigorously and with € 43 billion in measures to address the effects of the pandemic, spreading a broad net of protection over households and businesses and keeping society the economy”. And all this, “ensuring a strong starting point and excellent prospects for the economy and our country.”

Among other things, from the podium of the ND pre-conference in Thessaloniki, Mr. Staikouras pointed out that the government kept its pre-election commitments in the economy.

“We have reduced dozens of taxes and insurance contributions with the latest intervention, the new reduction of ENFIA, which in total is permanently formed at 35%, exceeding even our pre-election commitments”, he said, among other things.

Saying that the elements developed by the national economy, namely resilience, adaptability and dynamics and thus withstood strong international shocks, Mr. Staikouras noted that the government continues “in the fluid environment of multiple challenges, formulating visionary policies to achieve conservation of the strong growth rates of the Greek economy, further improvement of the GDP composition, strengthening of the defense and the deterrent power of our country, exit from the regime of enhanced supervision, gradual transition to a regime of fiscal balance, rational utilization of the available European funds and acquisition “.

For his part, the Deputy Minister of Finance, Apostolos Vesyropoulos, said that the government’s commitment to tax cuts remains strong and in adverse conditions and stressed that ND has to present a visible and measurable work in tax policy. “On this road we will continue,” he stressed.

The pre-conference started at 09.30 in the morning and takes place in two parts. The first part deals with “citizens’ daily lives, tax cuts, investments and new jobs” and the second with “major infrastructure projects that change the image of the country”.