QUOTE
Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis presented the report of the General Directorate of Economic Policy. The economies of Greece, Ireland, Finland and Luxemburg are described as the fastest developing ones in the EU stated Mr Alogoskoufis. The minister commented that the Greek economy¢s performance disproved all grim prospects on the deceleration of development after the ATHENS 2004 Olympic Games. In parallel, he added that the results in the economy are visible and measurable, while reforms will continue within the framework of the society and economy¢s endurance. In 2006, the GDP increased by 4.3%, when in the euro zone it was 2.7%. Additionally, the development growth in the first trimester of 2007 rose to 4.6%, when in the euro zone it was 3%. The fiscal deficit dropped by 2.4%, as forecast for 2007 from 7.9% of the GDP in 2004. Exports in 2005 rose by 13.7% and in 2006 by 18.2%. Investments in 2006 rose by 12.7%, contributing by 77% to the increase of the Greek economy¢s development growth.
As per the figures of the report, the real available income of households in 2005 rose by 3.4%, while in 2006 it rose by 4%, resulting to the increase of private consumption by 3.7% in the last two years. Mr Alogoskoufis stated that the fiscal adjustment was accomplished without the reduction of social expenditure and the households¢ income.
Moreover, on average, inflation in 2006 fell to 3.2% from 3.5%. However, the minister stressed that inflation (from 11.3% in the first trimester of 2004 fell to 8.8% in the last three months of 2006) still remains high in comparison to the average inflation rate of the EU. He also expressed his dissatisfaction over the number of the new working positions. Referring to Social Insurance he stated that it would be dealt with gradually in the next years, adding that the government would table the bill on tax evasion in the summer. He described the combating of poverty one of the government¢s top priorities for the next period of time. It has been estimated that there are about two million poor people in Greece. The problem will be tackled through the Social Cohesion Fund, with an overall financial aid of two billion euros that is 1,000 euros per poor person on average. In this way the poverty level would drop from 20% today to 15%, the average poverty level in the EU.
As per the figures of the report, the real available income of households in 2005 rose by 3.4%, while in 2006 it rose by 4%, resulting to the increase of private consumption by 3.7% in the last two years. Mr Alogoskoufis stated that the fiscal adjustment was accomplished without the reduction of social expenditure and the households¢ income.
Moreover, on average, inflation in 2006 fell to 3.2% from 3.5%. However, the minister stressed that inflation (from 11.3% in the first trimester of 2004 fell to 8.8% in the last three months of 2006) still remains high in comparison to the average inflation rate of the EU. He also expressed his dissatisfaction over the number of the new working positions. Referring to Social Insurance he stated that it would be dealt with gradually in the next years, adding that the government would table the bill on tax evasion in the summer. He described the combating of poverty one of the government¢s top priorities for the next period of time. It has been estimated that there are about two million poor people in Greece. The problem will be tackled through the Social Cohesion Fund, with an overall financial aid of two billion euros that is 1,000 euros per poor person on average. In this way the poverty level would drop from 20% today to 15%, the average poverty level in the EU.
This is what happens when a real party runs a nation.
ND out performs the centralist Euro nations in growth; also real incomes are up and inflation down as well as national deficit down.
This is why ND will win another term, this is why ND are the only right party for Greece.
)