ENGLISH EDITION

The prime minister underlined the improvement in economic numbers, with growth ending at 8.3% in 2021, the third best in Europe, while unemployment dropped by 4% and one of Greece's creditors, the International Monetary Fund, "left Greece two years ahead of schedule"

The minister also referred to the very positive, as he called them, messages from the bookings and arrivals of first tourists to Greece.

The PM said the government's concern was prosperity of each citizen, but warned that "there is a lot to be done in the next 12 months and in another 4 years," referring to the elections in 2023 and a second term.

Senior banking sources describe the new framework as being “demanding but fair”, expressing their satisfaction with the reform of the operating framework governing the HFSF and banks.

The budget recorded a primary deficit of 1.650 billion euros in the three-month period, up from a budget target for a deficit of 1.331 billion euros but down from a shortfall of 3.413 billion in 2021.

"The prime minister’s visit provides an opportunity to affirm our strong bilateral partnership and to celebrate 201 years of Greek independence," a statement said. 

Prime Minister noted that the problem of skyrocketing energy prices was imported and therefore demanded a joint European response but pledged that the government will continue to support energy consumers regardless, through a subsidy scheme that will continue in May as well.

Apart from the interest in tourism, he added, there was information that a major investment in wind energy was about to be announced in Greece, which will be among the largest in the region.

Key infrastructure projects are improving accessibility in a market where prices are rising but remain lower than elsewhere in Europe. Investors have shown a vote of confidence in Greek real estate.

The prime minister noted that 230 billion euros in unallocated loans were available from the recovery fund and these could be used, on an EU level, to deal with the energy crisis.