Greece’s Deputy Prime Minister Adonis Georgiadis outlined five key government initiatives set to shape the country’s near future, describing them as ‘pivotal moves’ aimed at building a stronger Greece. These initiatives span across critical areas: tax cuts, battling bureaucratic inertia, public sector evaluation, a national drought strategy, and social policy reform.
Speaking at the 29th annual Economist conference, Hatzidakis emphasized that upcoming announcements by the Prime Minister in September at the Thessaloniki International Fair will focus largely on further reducing taxes—especially for the middle class. He credited this possibility to the successful fight against tax evasion, the introduction of digital work cards, and Greece’s relatively high growth rates compared to other EU countries.
He also highlighted the ongoing battle with deep-rooted bureaucracy, noting progress made through digital modernization in areas like taxation, healthcare, and pension funds (EFKA). The next phase will target reforms within the National Agricultural Chamber (OPEKEPE) and the Hellenic Railways Organization (OSE), with tangible results expected before elections.
On public administration reform, Hatzidakis acknowledged that while progress has been made, there are still many everyday frustrations citizens face when dealing with state services. The government plans to make public institutions more citizen-friendly, simplify interactions, expand performance evaluations into education, and introduce patient-based assessments in healthcare. Additionally, the rollout of digital work cards in the public sector is underway.
Addressing climate concerns, he pointed out that Greece ranks 19th globally in drought risk and stressed the need for a cohesive national water strategy to combat fragmented planning and management.
In terms of social policy, new European funds will provide additional tools to improve daily life and quality of living. These include metro upgrades, procurement of electric buses, an accelerated ‘Exoikonomo’ energy-saving program, and support measures for people with disabilities.
Hatzidakis also highlighted major government achievements such as the 2024 budget surplus, record foreign investments, regained investment grade ratings, unemployment dropping below 8% for the first time since 2008, and the Euronext acquisition of the Athens Stock Exchange.
Continuing reforms in the second term, the government aims to establish private universities, intensify anti-tax evasion efforts, expedite justice procedures, complete the national cadastre by year-end, boost exports, and reduce business bureaucracy by 25%.
The Deputy PM also praised AI as a significant opportunity for Greece thanks to its high-quality scientific talent, outlining four priority areas: productivity enhancement, skill development, regulatory innovation with rights protection, and using AI to make the state more efficient.
Finally, he underlined Greece’s strategic global position due to its NATO and EU membership and its geographical location between Southeastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Stressing the importance of a strong economy and defense, Hatzidakis concluded that empowering the private sector is essential for national strength.