Cautious attempt to move the 2020 primary surplus goalposts

The government is hoping to secure up to 1.2-1.3 billion euros, or 0.6-0.7 percent of gross domestic product, in additional fiscal space for 2020 that would allow it some leeway to enforce tax easing plans, despite promises last week by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to German Chancellor Angela Merkel that Greece will meet the target of 3.5 percent of GDP for the 2020 primary surplus.

The leeway is seen coming from the annual return of eurozone central bank profits from Greek bonds (SMPs and ANFAs), which are currently not included in the budget revenues, though this is expected to change.

Kathimerini understands that the issue will likely be addressed at a Eurogroup meeting of eurozone finance minister on December 4 and, in the event that an agreement is reached, the technical aspects of the solution will be clarified by January.

"We will obviously raise...

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