"I personally pledged that no one will face this storm alone and we have fulfilled our commitment in a fair way. Next to the protection of income is added the realistic hope of its improvement. Greeks now pay less taxes everywhere and workers and companies pay less contributions. Greece borrows at historically low interest rates. All this took place while the planet was under attack by the coronavirus. Yes, we have had losses but fewer than in other countries. We have formed a perfect vaccination process, Operation "Freedom"", the Greek Prime Minister said.
Regarding the Greek economy, the Prime Minister announced a 16.2% jump in GDP and a revised growth target for 2021 to 5.9% ( from 3.6% ). He stressed that economic recovery shall be for all, no one will be left behind and added that "while in the middle of a pandemic a giant program of protection of labor unfolded, we did not stop the reforms".
Regarding the sale of the HEDNO minority package of 2.1 billion euros, he noted that: "We were all surprised by the price. "All this reflects the confidence of foreign institutional investors in the prospects of the Greek economy." He also mentioned that the huge project of the reconstruction of Elliniko has started, VOAK is offering 35,000 new jobs, the Thessaloniki Metro will be ready at the end of 2023 and that in Athens the metro line 4 will serve about one million passengers when completed.
