Zero state spending in key areas such as the fire service

In the era of excessive primary budget surpluses, key state sectors such as healthcare, education, security and justice are underfinanced by the Public Investments Program, because slashing essential spending is one of the ways in which excessive surpluses are created, to be distributed as handouts.

According to Public Investments Program data that has been analyzed by the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV), in 2015 and 2016 the state's investments in the fire service, courts and prisons were zero, while spending on the police force came to just 3 million euros in the same period.

These figures have come to light after the tragic eastern Attica wildfire in late July, along with a rise in crime and huge delays in court hearings around the country.

At the same time public investment in the sectors of healthcare and education is particularly low, while the...