Takis Theodorikakos revealed that the Ministry of Development has identified cases where funds were disbursed as advance payments for investments under the 2004 and 2011 development laws, but the projects were never completed. “This is illegal,” he stated, adding that the ministry has already initiated procedures to reclaim the money.

According to the minister, “this concerns €480 million related to approximately 1,400 investment projects. We will pursue every last euro to return taxpayers’ money so that it can be used by the government and the state for social and developmental purposes.”

He further noted that “the same thing happened with the 2016 development law, where the amounts involved are even larger. We are currently investigating, and we will not stop. In all these cases, the money will be recovered. This concerns society as a whole.”

On inflation and economic growth

Regarding issues of inflation, Mr. Theodorikakos reminded that “during the years of New Democracy’s governance, we have achieved a growth rate of 2%, which will be maintained. The minimum wage has increased by 30%, and Greece’s credit rating upgrade by Moody’s helps attract investments and create jobs for the unemployed. It is also significant that unemployment has decreased.”

He emphasized the need for Greece to become more productive and focus on sectors that enhance its competitiveness, citing the necessity for interventions in industry, the primary sector, and exports.

Additionally, he pointed out that “market inspections have intensified, and €6 million in fines have been imposed. Prices have risen significantly compared to the pre-pandemic period, but incomes have also increased—for example, the minimum wage has gone up by 28%. Food inflation in Greece is now at zero. Just recently, I was in Bulgaria, where officials asked me how we managed to achieve this in our country.”