Athens News Agency: News in English, 07-08-22

Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Karamanlis points to economic turnaround since 2004; election campaign gets underway

[01] Karamanlis points to economic turnaround since 2004; election campaign gets underway

Speaking after the meeting, Karamanlis said ND will announce candidates that are capable and distinguished; citizens who serve the party's overture to society and who are determined to work for the changes the country needs.

The prime minister stressed that in 2004 the government opened a cycle of reforms that are leading society ahead, in the economy, education, the public administration the citizens' day-to-day life.

"All of us together succeeded in achieving the country's departure from the excessive deficit process. The fiscal deficit decreased for the first time since our accession to EMU, from 7.9 percent to 2.6 percent of GDP," he said, adding that this was a "considerable national success."

Karamanlis mentioned that the economy's growth rates are among the highest in the eurozone; that unemployment decreased from 11.3 percent in the first quarter of 2004 to 7.7 percent in May 2007, as was announced earlier by the National Statistical Service.

He further pointed out that exports are increasing, international interest in investing in Greece is heightening, entrepreneurship is rising whereas tourist arrivals are increasing impressively and inflation is at the lowest levels of the past decade. Karamanlis also referred to a handful of international energy agreements placing the country on the international energy map.

Karamanlis underlined that the top priorities of his government's new term are revision of the Constitution, tackling the social security issue, improving the country's administrative structure, education reform and the consolidation of a substantive social state.

"I wish to stress once again that what was not feasible for the others is not enough for us. We have achieved a great deal, but much more is needed," the prime minister said.

Lastly, Karamanlis said New Democracy is requesting a "new and strong popular mandate to enable it to continue efforts to achieve a Greece we are all envisaging."

Caption: ANA-MPA file photo of PM Costas Karamanlis.

Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article