Better than predicted income in 2022, the Minister of Finance mentioned yesterday Christos Staikourasto once again leave open the option to create an add-on fiscal space And new support measures.

He specifically said, speaking on Radio Parapolitika, that to the extent that the security of the fiscal sphere is ensured, it “will be returned in full” to society as a whole, based on the priorities that the Prime Minister will set. According to recent statements by Mr. K. Mitsotakis, the time horizon for something like this is February. It is noted that while the issue of providing assistance to pensioners who have not received an increase due to personal differences is being considered.

Mr. Staikouras also stressed that while state aid in the EU in 2022 averaged 1.3% of GDP, in Greece it was 2.3%. He noted that inflation here fell to a lower level than the EU average, but acknowledged that this affected food. In this context, he referred to the market pass that will be issued in February to help households in their markets.

As for the new interest rate hike from European Central Bank and the response of the banks to the relevant proposals he has made to them since December, Mr. Staikouras basically said that the issue remains open. Following the banks’ recent announcement of the initiatives they have taken regarding deposit and lending rates and fees, he said he asked to be kept informed of their next steps.

He also called on banks and credit organizations to take even more measures based on an extrajudicial mechanism. However, according to him, the amount of agreements has already exceeded 1 billion euros.

The minister also noted that the increase in the salaries of civil servants has already begun, since the abolition of the solidarity contribution and the contribution to their funds and the increase in the salaries of doctors by 10% are equivalent to a total of 350-400 million euros. But around 500 million euros is estimated at the cost of the new payroll, which will come into effect from next year.

He called the goal of reaching the level of investment in 2023 absolutely possible. He did not specify whether this will happen before or after the elections, given that many houses are expected in April and May, which, according to the prime minister, will take place.