A few days ago, the Prime Minister described in London the “miracle” of the Greek economy to foreign investors. At home, however, citizens remain cautious about macroeconomic figures and are concerned about their own “pocket economy”. When will growth pass through to the real economy?
The Prime Minister did not speak in London about a “communication miracle”, but about a real turnaround of the Greek economy, which is recognised internationally. It is reasonable, however, for citizens to assess the situation on the basis of their “pocket economy”, and there it is necessary to explain how the indicators translate into real benefit.
Greece is on a path of convergence with Europe. Real disposable income has increased by 22% in six years, three times the European average. Growth now rests on investment and not on borrowing. This translates into jobs, wages, know-how and exports. Growth is also passing through to the real economy through cuts in taxes and contributions, support for incomes and labour protection, as well as targeted measures such as the refund of one month’s rent to 900,000 tenants.
The government is not celebrating; it recognises the difficulties, and its goal is stability, reforms and social justice so that the recovery is felt in every household.
New Democracy is often ahead in the polls. Do you believe this is due to the government’s record or to the opposition’s inability to present a credible alternative?
Polls capture a trend of the moment, but the real judgement of citizens is always made at the ballot box. And this will happen in the spring of 2027. In the 2023 elections, citizens clearly renewed their trust and gave us a mandate to continue the work we began in 2019 when we took over the governance of the country. Since then, we have been moving forward with a clear commitment to our pledges, consistently implementing our programme.
The benefits for the country, society and the economy are measurable. Incomes are being strengthened, the middle class and families are being supported through targeted policies, young people are gaining more opportunities, and the most vulnerable are being protected through substantive interventions.
Greece has changed. From a decade of uncertainty we have moved into a period of stability, reforms and modern institutions and infrastructure.
As for the opposition, what it chooses to do is its own business. We do not underestimate anyone and we do not overestimate anyone. But we certainly do not set our course on the basis of others’ moves. Our focus is exclusively on consistently delivering on our commitments.
Do you believe the goal of a single-party majority in the next elections remains achievable?
The elections will be held in the spring of 2027, and then we will all be judged — first and foremost the New Democracy government — on the basis of the work we will have delivered and our consistency with the commitments we made. Citizens will assess overall whether the country moved forward, whether the economy was strengthened, whether families, young people and the most vulnerable were supported, and whether we dealt with the crises of recent years seriously and effectively.
Personally, I believe it is crucial for the country to have a strong government mandate. Only in this way are a clear direction, stability and the ability to implement policies without back-and-forth or uncertainty ensured. In an international environment characterised by tensions, wars and geopolitical upheaval, Greece needs a steady compass that will allow the government to implement a coherent plan for the country.
That is why the key goal remains securing a strong mandate to govern.
If New Democracy does not achieve a majority in the next elections, which political partnerships do you consider realistic? Is there a “red line” for the party?
Any discussion about post-election partnerships makes sense only after citizens have spoken at the ballot box. Polls provide useful indications, but they are not a final verdict. The only certainty is that, to date, a significant part of society continues to prefer the current model of government, which is unusual after so many years in power.
This shows that a significant majority of citizens recognise that the country has not simply changed, but has made a great qualitative leap forward, during a period of intense international challenges, wars and geopolitical tensions.
In this context, our main point of reference — the “red line” for us — is our responsibility towards citizens and the country.
Let us move on to the issues in your portfolio, which are very important. What are the key priorities you have set in the field of economic diplomacy?
The core mission of economic diplomacy is to strengthen the international position of the Greek economy and accelerate extroversion. Our priorities are shaped around the main challenges we face.
We are strengthening the extroversion of Greek businesses, particularly small and medium-sized ones. We are creating mechanisms for mentoring, information and international networking, filling gaps in know-how, branding and certification.
We aim to sustain the rise in exports and gradually approach the European average. This means opening new markets and targeted interventions in high value-added sectors.
We are developing more coherent product promotion strategies to strengthen the recognition and differentiation of the Greek productive model.
What initiatives are you planning to attract investment, and how will you ensure that these investments have a positive impact on the Greek economy?
The new National Extroversion Strategy, approved by the Government Council for Economic Policy, introduces for the first time a comprehensive plan for exports, investment and international partnerships.
We have institutionalised the Government Committee on Extroversion, so that all actions are coordinated centrally, with clear targets and measurable results.
We are designing the five-year Strategic Plan for Extroversion 2026–2030, with targeted interventions by sector and market, and with specific indicators that monitor the effectiveness of economic diplomacy.
We are transforming Enterprise Greece into a comprehensive extroversion hub. With specialised services for exporters and investors, it promotes sectors with a comparative advantage, supports training, builds alliances along the value chain and strengthens the Greek brand with modern tools.
We are implementing the reform of Export Credit Greece, so that it provides modern guarantee, insurance and financing tools that reduce risk and facilitate international trade.
We are making strategic use of European and international partnerships. We are strengthening our position in regional formats and developing active economic diplomacy in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Balkans, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
We are placing at the centre the attraction of high value-added investment that can substantially transform the productive model. Greece, with its stability and institutional consistency, is now a competitive, predictable and highly attractive investment destination.
What are the quantitative targets for increasing Greek exports over the next five years, and which sectors do you think will lead the way?
Greece has recorded significant progress in recent years, creating a solid basis for the next leap in extroversion. Exports of goods exceeded €106 billion in 2024, up 46% compared with 2019, while the ratio of exports of goods and services to GDP stood at 42%, approaching the European average.
On the basis of these data, our quantitative targets for the next five years are absolutely specific. Our goal is for exports of goods to rise from €49.9 billion in 2024 to €70 billion by 2030, an increase of more than 40%. At the same time, we aim for annual foreign direct investment flows to move to around €10 billion, from €7 billion today. The increased public investment of €16.7 billion planned for 2026 reinforces this goal, building new infrastructure and productive capacity.
As for the sectors that will lead the way, the picture is clear:
– Energy: Green energy and interconnections.
– Technology: Start-ups and R&D.
– Pharmaceuticals & Quality foods: Sectors with a strong competitive advantage.
– Shipping: A steady pillar of extroversion.
– Infrastructure, Circular economy & Defence.
Our strategy does not aim simply at increasing the volume of exports, but at Greece’s transition to a more diversified, technologically upgraded and internationally competitive productive model.
What will Greece’s role be on the day after in Ukraine?
Support for Ukraine is a strategic choice. Greece can contribute both politically and economically to the reconstruction process. We have know-how in sectors that are critical for the day after: energy, infrastructure, ports, construction, renewable energy and digital technologies.
Our role in the energy security of the region is being strengthened, with Greece acting as an LNG hub, part of the Vertical Energy Corridor and a source of reliable infrastructure. At the same time, Greek businesses have already expressed interest in restoration and green transition projects in Ukraine.
