G. Oikonomou: Greece became and continues to become stronger

LAST UPDATE: 13:32

“Three years have passed since the day Greek men and women turned the page. We have been in an environment of crises in these three years. We have handled the crises with competence and efficiency. Greece remains upright in a global hurricane. Greece did not remain only in a position of defense Today we live in a country that has faced chronic weaknesses”, said the government spokesman, Giannis Oikonomou, during today’s briefing for political editors.

The government spokesman said “what we have achieved is the indicator for us all to understand how much more we can do in the coming years”.

Mr. Economou detailed twenty important achievements of the government and society in the last three years, among which were the increase in GDP, the reduction of unemployment, the reduction of taxes and contributions, the strengthening of income, foreign direct investments, the doubling Greek exports, strengthening the middle class, increasing the minimum wage, the 51 billion euros given to support households and incomes, the exit from enhanced supervision, the repayment of the IMF, the digitization of the state and more in all areas of politics.

“Greece became and continues to become stronger. There were also mistakes that we recognized and we always try to correct. Within these three years we are creating an environment of stability and security”, he added.

He also talked about supporting households and businesses to deal with increases in electricity and natural gas in July.

As long as the energy crisis lasts, the government will do everything possible to support society

The government representative, Yannis Oikonomou, during today’s briefing, answering questions about whether there is a risk that the Turkish prime minister, Mr. Erdogan, will become the regulator of the Greek elections, emphasized that the position of the prime minister on the issue of the elections was absolutely clear, and there is no such issue.

“The fragmentary interpretation of the statements or the distortion leads to the wrong conclusions,” he said.

Answering another question, he emphasized that there is no polling decline for the ruling party and the difference between ND and SYRIZA in voting intention is what it was in the 2019 elections.

“The government remains committed to its work and implements the reforms,” ​​emphasized Mr. Economou.

Referring to Greek-Turkish relations and the possibility of a hot summer, he said that “we are not afraid of anything, we seek calm waters, we are alert and we have sufficient and effective management of the challenges from Turkey”.

Referring to the possibility of new fuel subsidies, he said that “as long as the price hikes and the crisis last, the government is exhausting every possibility to stand by society. The fuel program is running, and as long as the problem lasts the government will do everything possible to support society”.

Asked to comment on statements on the disclosure of protected witnesses, and on when the European directive on these witnesses will be incorporated, Mr. Economou said:

“Everything related to the Novartis case has been discussed exhaustively. We respect the decisions. The integration of Community directives will be implemented when the time comes. I have nothing more to add about the Novartis case.”

Regarding the shortage of workers in tourism and the possibility of government intervention, he said that tourism companies are looking for workers and cannot find them, and “we are in communication with representatives of these companies, we have taken initiatives for further incentives. We are here to discuss how we can help”. . He added that businessmen “must treat workers with the dignity they deserve. There are examples – not the rule – that some people need to be more considerate of workers.”

Mr. Economou, referring to the electoral law, said that the prime minister has made it clear that the elections will be held at the end of the four-year period with a simple proportional one and then with an enhanced one.

Finally, he answered in the negative in a categorical manner, to a question about whether, according to complaints by Mr. Varoufakis, there are persons in the environment of the prime minister who have a relationship with foreign funds “who buy loans and take houses of Greeks”.

“The answer is clearly no. The “reliability” of Mr. Varoufakis is known internationally,” said Mr. Economou.