Former prime minister Alexis Tsipras is expected to outline three core rules for the economic planning of the Greek Left Alliance (ELAS) on Wednesday, as he presents the party’s economic program in Thessaloniki ahead of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ speech at the annual Thessaloniki International Fair on Saturday.
The first rule is that no permanent benefit will be introduced without a permanent source of funding, while no permanent spending will be financed with one-off revenue. Second, measures will be introduced in phases, evaluated before being expanded and reassessed annually. Third, the funding source, timing and implementation of every measure will be clearly identified.
Tsipras is expected to argue that fiscal credibility does not mean social stagnation, saying it is a progressive obligation for the state to provide lasting protection to the most vulnerable.
According to details of the plan, measures for the 2027-30 period have a gross cost of 7.39 billion euros, against 1.92 billion euros in permanent new revenue. That leaves a net cost of 5.47 billion euros, compared with 5.6 billion euros in available fiscal space.
The figures highlight the emphasis ELAS is placing on the costing of its proposals, with party officials saying the plan also leaves a reserve. Tsipras is aware that the program will come under scrutiny from both the ruling New Democracy party and the opposition PASOK socialists.
