The budget, which is submitted to Parliament on Friday, does not include additional interventions for any sector of the economy, based on the existing fiscal space.
This was stated by the Minister of Finance Christos Staikouras (speaking on SKAI TV), while when asked if there will be additional support for the catering industry after the recent restrictive measures for the vaccinated, he replied that in the last year and a half the catering has increased by 2.3 billion euros and continues to be strengthened by the programs of the Ministries of Finance and Development that will “run” in 2022.
Regarding the possibility of distributing a dividend over the Christmas holidays, the minister said that the government’s priorities are based on the intensity and extent of the energy and health crisis and the reduction of adverse effects on households. He added that this “twin crisis” limits the possibilities for other interventions. He said, however, that there would be a discussion with the prime minister in early December on the implementation of the budget, and that if a budget space was created, it would be a priority for the next two months.
Mr. Staikouras also stated that the Ministry of Finance will positively suggest a second increase in the minimum wage next year.
For the new budget, he said that it will provide growth in the region of 7% (this year), reducing unemployment and boosting investment and exports. At the same time, all tax and levy reductions that have been legislated will be included.
Specifically for inflation, he said it would rise 0.5% this year on an annual basis and 1% in 2022. However, he added that “I would not be surprised if in November and December this year it moves higher than in October. I would not be surprised if it is of the order of 4% “. However, he said he was optimistic that there would be a de-escalation from the first quarter of 2022 on products and services and from the second quarter on energy costs.
Finally, he ruled out the possibility of a new lockdown and said that “we have enough cash to cope with any crisis”, even in the recent increase in borrowing costs.
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Source From: Capital
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