Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis expressed the view that the primary surplus is expected to rise.
At the same time, he left open the possibility of additional support measures for households, depending on the available fiscal space and the evolution of the energy crisis.
Speaking to public broadcaster ERT on the sidelines of the IMF Spring Meetings in Washington, the minister noted that final fiscal outcomes are expected to exceed initial estimates, while clarifying that a more accurate picture will emerge in the coming period. He emphasized, however, that available fiscal space does not automatically translate into a higher surplus, as it is subject to European expenditure rules and requires coordination with EU authorities.
As he noted, the direction of economic policy remains consistent. Additional revenues generated through growth and the fight against tax evasion are being returned to society, a practice already implemented over the last years. Final decisions, however, will be taken once the fiscal data are fully clarified.
The central government cash balance recorded a surplus of €920 million in January-March, compared with a surplus of €1.45 billion in the same period last year, the Bank of Greece said on Thursday. However, the primary surplus of the state budget increased to €3.5 billion, compared with €3.3 billion a year earlier.
Referring to IMF projections indicating a slowdown in growth, Pierrakakis observed that the fund has historically adopted a more conservative approach. He added that the trend of moderating growth and rising inflation is being observed globally, in connection with developments in the Strait of Hormuz.