Mitsotakis on CNBC: New tax cuts and wage increases are the goals – Foreign investors continue to come to the Greek economy

Mr. Mitsotakis referred to the high growth rates, noting that Greece has left the crisis period behind and is moving forward with confidence, investing in reforms focused on innovation, digitalization and the labor market.

Debt and Unemployment Reduction – Stability is Key

The Prime Minister highlighted the early repayment of debt as a strong message of credibility to the markets, and pointed to the steady decline in unemployment, which, as he argued, is the result of strengthening the private economy and attracting investment.

At the same time, he made special mention of Europe’s defense strategy, emphasizing the importance of European autonomy, but also of transatlantic cooperation, especially in the field of trade relations.

“In the four years between 2015 and 2019, we suffered from the consequences of the disastrous negotiation by the left-wing government. During that period until 2019, we had the lowest growth rate in Europe. Now things are completely different. Since 2019, at the core of our economic success has been the fact that we established self-confidence in the basic principles of the Greek economy. None of this would have happened if we had not taken difficult decisions to put our natural house in order,” the Prime Minister said.

Speaking about the Greek economy, Mr. Mitsotakis noted: “We were bold enough to implement measures for growth, with important structural reforms that improved the competitiveness of the Greek economy. I believe that we have an attractive story for foreign investors and foreign investments that continue to come to the Greek economy. Of course, I was the one who negotiated the Next Generation Eu program on behalf of Greece. Greece will receive 36 billion euros above what it will receive from the fund, agricultural financing until 2026.”

Regarding the reforms that were made, Mr. Mitsotakis stated on the CNBC network: “This was not just a story of European support. We took bold decisions and managed to win a second election, having proven that we can deliver results with sound policies for growth.”

Regarding the criticism leveled at him by the opposition, he noted: “We live in an era when populists question the ability of the more traditional parties and in Greece we defied this history. In 2023 we increased our percentages in double elections, convincing voters essentially that we can implement our electoral commitments and that we can offer them a better future. This will be the challenge again in 2027. Will we be consistent? Can we build trust? Can we focus on what citizens care about? The number one issue in Greece is still inflation and disposable income. We know that we need to improve the lives of citizens.”

Regarding citizens' incomes, he stressed: "We know that we need to proceed with further tax cuts, increase wages, create more jobs. But we need to do it in a sustainable way, without jeopardizing the fundamentals of what we have achieved."