Speaking at the 5th Cantina Academy forum, Kyriakos Pierakakis — Greece’s Minister of National Economy and Finance — expressed confidence that the government is taking the right steps to support citizens and businesses overwhelmed by debt, both to the state and to private creditors.
‘Extending a Hand, Not Pointing a Finger’
Pierakakis emphasized that the state’s role is to assist those who genuinely want to repay their debts and are actively seeking solutions. ‘It requires both vision and pragmatism,’ he said. ‘You must inspire people — but also know exactly how to implement practical solutions. That’s what we’re striving for.’
He noted that the government has already begun discussions on concrete measures targeting private debt. ‘We understand a segment of Greek society is struggling,’ he explained. ‘Many say, “We want to lift our heads above water — help us.” So for those who want to pay, who seek a path forward, the state shouldn’t point fingers — it should extend a hand.’
Focus on Everyday Realities
The minister stressed that the government’s priority lies not in macroeconomic statistics alone, but in tangible improvements to citizens’ daily lives. ‘Growth figures aren’t irrelevant — but they’re not what matter at the supermarket checkout,’ he said. ‘There are no numbers there — only cost. And I know that, just like everyone else, very well.’
Accordingly, Pierakakis said the government is exploring every feasible option — within fiscal limits — to find every available euro to support households and enterprises. ‘Every solution that touches people’s everyday reality matters. Every responsible gesture of public support — one that strengthens Greece’s future without undermining it — must be pursued.’
He added that such concrete action carries far more weight than rhetorical flourishes about the past — and will ultimately shape how citizens assess the government at the ballot box.