The Minister of National Economy and Finance, Kyriakos Pierrakakis, appears optimistic about the prospects of the Greek economy in an interview with Real News. He emphasizes that in the draft budget, to be submitted tomorrow, public debt is projected to fall below 140% of GDP in 2026, marking the country’s relief from a long-standing burden.
At the same time, he reveals that the government is preparing new interventions in the short-term rental sector, aiming to boost the availability of housing in the long-term market. Mr. Pierrakakis also highlighted the close cooperation with European Chief Prosecutor Laura Kövesi, which he noted is crucial for combating tax and customs fraud.
The Budget and Public Debt
“We are submitting a draft of stability and prospects. The Greek economy will continue to grow at a steady pace of over 2%,” the minister stressed. For 2025, public debt is estimated to close at 145% of GDP, while in 2026 it will fall below 140%.
Support Measures and Tax Relief
Mr. Pierrakakis referred to the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) package of measures, which provides substantial relief for families, young people, and the self-employed. Examples:
- A family with two children and an income of €30,000 per parent: annual benefit of €2,400.
- A family with three children: annual benefit of €4,200.
- A 25-year-old with an income of €19,000: annual benefit of €2,243.
Tackling Inflation
Despite tax cuts, inflation remains a challenge. The minister emphasized that the government’s strategy is twofold: reducing taxes while simultaneously enforcing market controls. Inflation has already fallen to 1.8%.
Regulations for Short-Term Rentals
“We do not want to demonize short-term rentals, but a balance must be found,” he noted. The government is extending the ban on offering new properties in three areas of Attica in 2026, while additional restrictions and potential changes in taxation are under consideration.
The Resilience of the Greek Economy
Despite the recession in other eurozone countries, Greece is growing at a rate of 2.2–2.3%. Unemployment fell to 8.1%, investments are increasing, and tourism generated strong revenues.
Cooperation with the European Chief Prosecutor
The meeting with Laura Kövesi focused on combating tax and customs fraud. Greece will strengthen the office of the European Public Prosecutor in Athens to ensure faster and more measurable results.
Political Developments and the Electoral Landscape
The minister underlined that New Democracy’s goal is an outright majority. He also commented on speculation about a new party by Antonis Samaras, stressing that “Greece needs unity and a clear orientation for the future.”
