T
he government’s top priorities are initially
to restore and subsequently to enhance
the growth prospects of the Greek econ-
omy. Since we assumed our duties, we started
implementing our government programme, devel-
oping our initiatives along the following axes:
[a]
Completing the negotiation with our European
partners, in order to agree on a new pact for
growth and employment in Greece. Our aim is to
reach a settlement regarding Greece’s public
debt with the aim of reducing it, and to factor
growth (as a percentage of GDP) into debt repay-
ment. This will release public resources for sup-
porting social cohesion and the growth of the
Greek economy. Moreover, we aim at helping
bring about a shift in European economic policy,
away from recessionary austerity and towards
growth. Let me remind you that the Greek econo-
my is faced with deflation, stagnation and high
unemployment. As correctly pointed out by the
President of the ECB, Mario Draghi, the quantita-
tive easing programme is not enough, and govern-
ments also need to take similar bold growth initia-
tives. We are confident that we, the European gov-
ernments and institutions, will finally manage to
take such initiatives, in order to ensure that the
European economy will not fall any farther
behind.
[b]
Sweeping changes and reforms in the state,
the political system and the institutional framework
for the operation of the Greek economy. These are
reforms that, among others, aim at: (i) fighting col-
lusion, corruption, tax evasion, smuggling and oli-
gopolies, in order to establish conditions of sound
competition, and free up resources for restoring
social cohesion and supporting economic growth;
Trade with Greece
14
Our ministry is responsible for coordinating
the government’s work. This means that our
planning coincides with that of the
government.
Restoring and enhancing
the growth prospects
of the Greek economy:
a top priority
By Alekos Flabouraris,
Minister of State responsible for Coordinating Government
Work
