The Minister of Finance and Economy mentioned the significant progress that the Greek economy has made and the difficulties that both Greece and Europe are experiencing.

In his interviews with both Bloomberg and CNBC, on the sidelines of the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, Mr. Kostis Hatzidakis, National Economy and Finance, said that the challenges facing Greece and the European Union, as well as the challenges facing Greece and the European Union, were the most important ones.

Referring to the Greek economy, Hatzidakis pointed out that its growth rate is five times that of the eurozone average, despite the impact of international developments and the major natural disasters that hit the country. He also noted that "this underlines the success of our policy mix, which is based on two pillars. Fiscal discipline on the one hand and a pro-investment approach on the other".

THE DEBT

On the issue of debt, he stressed that, as a percentage of GDP, it has recorded the largest reduction in the European Union as a whole. "Our goal is to continue on the path of fiscal seriousness in order to achieve even better results. If you look at the studies from the European Commission, the OECD, and other international organisations, it seems that they accept that there is visible progress in the Greek economy and, of course, a reduction in the country's public debt over the last 4.5 years during the government of Mr. Mitsotakis," he said.

"This government is determined to follow in the same direction in order to attract more investment and reduce unemployment even further. We will continue to be credible and achieve visible results. Of course, there are lessons to be learned for Europe. However, our priority is the Greek economy. That is why, during our discussions on the new European Stability Pact and the flexibility given to certain member states, I stressed that regardless of the regulations, Greece will continue on the path of fiscal stability. This is because, apart from the European Commission's surveillance, we also have surveillance from international markets and investors."

THE BANKS

Focusing on the banks, he praised their progress, especially the large reduction in non-performing loans and the withdrawal of the state from their equity capital. "Our banks paid for the mistakes of the state in the past but now they are moving forward. We recently had four divestment processes in the four systemic banks in the country that were completed very successfully. It was a vote of confidence by international investors and the market in the Greek economy and banking system," he noted.