The Minister of National Economy and Finance, Kyriakos Pierrakakis, assured that the prime minister’s announcements at this year’s Thessaloniki International Fair will have a broad social focus, noting that “society as a whole must be able to see itself” in the measures that will be presented.
Speaking to Status FM, the minister underlined that the Greek economy continues to outperform, however the government is moving within the European fiscal rules. As he stated, every additional fiscal space that is created is used to support citizens, rejecting the logic of benefits that cannot be financed.
Referring to scenarios for the restoration of a 13th and 14th salary or pension, he noted that the total fiscal cost would reach 8 billion euros, while only the restoration of the 13th salary and the 13th pension would require about 4 billion euros, an amount many times greater than the fiscal space that existed at the TIF of 2025. For this reason, he explained, the final decisions will be taken by September, depending on the available margins.
Mr. Pierrakakis argued that the main goal of economic policy remains increasing disposable income through growth, job creation and tax cuts. He recalled that the government has proceeded with 83 reductions in taxes and contributions, while defending the choice of cuts in direct taxes instead of generalized reductions in VAT or the Special Consumption Tax, arguing that targeted measures are more effective and socially fairer.
At the same time, he pointed out that addressing high prices, housing costs and energy prices is a top priority, with many of the solutions requiring European coordination.
According to the minister, the government’s strategy combines fiscal stability with returning the economy’s overperformance to society, placing particular emphasis on those who are in greater need.