ATHENS – Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos said the government has presented a detailed and fully costed plan aimed at ensuring stability for Greece over the next four years, stressing that its greatest strength is its credibility.
Speaking to OPEN and Action24, Theodorikakos said the plan has two major advantages. First, he argued, Greeks know that if Kyriakos Mitsotakis remains prime minister, the commitments announced by the government will be implemented. Second, the measures address the needs of broad sections of society, including professionals, private- and public-sector employees, families, young people and pensioners.
Among the measures he highlighted were the abolition of the business tax, initially in regional Greece and subsequently in Attica, as well as a reduction in the advance tax payment. He also described as particularly important the decision to exempt farmers with incomes of up to €20,000 from taxation and measures supporting families with three children, linking them directly to efforts to address Greece’s demographic problem and strengthen the primary sector.
The minister recalled that Greece faced bankruptcy 15 years ago, with wages and pensions sharply reduced, and said that since 2019 the government has pursued policies aimed at cutting taxes, raising incomes and reducing unemployment. He also noted that Greece can now borrow at lower rates than countries including the United States, Italy, France and the United Kingdom.
Addressing inflation and the wider economic pressures facing households, Theodorikakos said the pandemic and two wars had contributed to a sharp rise in inflation, while higher oil and natural gas prices could intensify pressures in the coming period.
He rejected proposals for additional spending without clear financing, calling on former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras to submit his program to the independent Fiscal Council for evaluation. “Money does not come from nowhere,” he said, warning against creating “false expectations without substance.”
On the cost of living, Theodorikakos pointed to government measures including profit caps, fines following inspections and an agreement with business representatives to freeze prices during the summer. He also cited an initiative involving price reductions on 1,740 basic consumer products. While acknowledging that such measures cannot solve the entire cost-of-living problem, he said a €40 reduction in monthly expenses can provide meaningful relief to households under greater financial pressure.
He also highlighted the new joint bank account measure for children, saying it could encourage a stronger culture of saving and provide young people with a financial reserve when they turn 18.
Regarding elections, Theodorikakos reiterated that they will be held at the end of the four-year term, arguing that Greece needs political stability.
Finally, he expressed his deep sorrow over the deaths of two Air Force pilots in the tragedy at Tanagra, extending his condolences to their families and to the Armed Forces.
