With the “vehicle” of revenues from combating tax evasion, the primary surplus of the state budget is climbing even higher than initially anticipated, with 2024 expected to close with an almost zero deficit.

Speaking at the inaugural event of the Synergia think tank on Thursday evening at the Athens Concert Hall, Minister of National Economy and Finance Kostis Hatzidakis emphasized that in 2024, Greece remained on a path of fiscal convergence, achieving significant benefits for taxpayers, leveraging the borrowing secured due to the investment-grade rating.

As he specifically noted, “I believe 2024 will close with a surplus around 3%, a deficit close to zero, and €2 billion in revenues from tax evasion,” figures exceeding those outlined in the new budget passed in Parliament a month ago. “These figures will need to be confirmed at the end of February,” Mr. Hatzidakis stated, as the final installment of income tax and ENFIA payments for 2024 is expected to be completed by then. This is a very strong message in times of instability.

It sends a message that Greece can withstand strong winds should they blow, Mr. Hatzidakis noted among other comments. He also added that the country will continue its fiscal discipline into 2025 and predicted that it will be a year of significant further tax cuts for the middle class, particularly in the area of direct taxes.