As the country's political compass traditionally turns toward Thessaloniki and the International Fair (TIF) in September, Vice President of the Government and Minister of National Economy, Kostis Hatzidakis, has set the tone for the next phase of governance. Against the backdrop of 2026—a landmark year for consolidating economic recovery—the New Democracy government is attempting to redefine its narrative through 'Agenda 2030'. This is not merely a pre-election manifesto for 2027, but a roadmap of structural changes aimed at transforming the country's productive model.

The Economic Architecture of the Next Four Years

At the heart of the announcements expected at TIF is the continuation of a policy centered on calculated tax relief. Mr. Hatzidakis, adhering to the line of fiscal discipline, clarified that any tax reduction will be the result of surpluses generated by growth and the crackdown on tax evasion via digital tools. The government is betting on the gradual abolition of the trade tax (telos epitideumatos), further reductions in social security contributions, and improvements in income tax brackets for the middle class.

However, the challenge is not solely fiscal. Attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) remains a priority, with an emphasis on high-value-added sectors such as energy, logistics, and technology. Maintaining the investment grade remains the 'holy grail' for the economic team, as it ensures low borrowing costs and stability in a global environment that remains volatile.

The Digital State and Artificial Intelligence

One of the most compelling aspects of 'Agenda 2030' is the universal integration of Artificial Intelligence into public administration. Mr. Hatzidakis emphasized that the next step for Gov.gr will not just be the digitalization of documents, but the automation of processes that currently burden citizens. From pension awards to the issuance of building permits, the goal is to minimize human intervention where bureaucracy fosters corruption and delay.

  • Full digitalization of the judicial system to accelerate the administration of justice.
  • Use of AI to detect tax evasion in real-time through data cross-referencing.
  • Upgrading the digital skills of the workforce through national retraining programs.

This technological transition is considered critical for improving the competitiveness of the Greek economy, which still lags in productivity indicators compared to the European average.

Constitutional Revision and Institutional Reforms

The government's strategy also includes the major chapter of Constitutional Revision. Looking toward the next Parliament, Mr. Hatzidakis referred to the need for bold changes, most notably the amendment of Article 16 to allow for the establishment of non-state universities. Concurrently, changes to the functioning of the justice system and the strengthening of institutional independence are being discussed—topics that often serve as fields of intense political confrontation.

"We do not just want to manage the present; we want to build the future. Greece in 2030 must be a country that exports not only tourism but also expertise," the Vice President stated.

The political dominance of New Democracy, as expressed in previous elections, is now being tested by the reality of implementation. The pursuit of a parliamentary majority in 2027 depends on the government's ability to prove that reforms have a direct impact on the daily lives and disposable income of citizens, especially in a period where inflation remains the number one enemy of households.

Conclusions and Challenges

The presentation of the program at TIF will be the first major crash test for the new government narrative. The challenges are multi-layered: from the absorption of Recovery Fund resources to addressing the housing crisis and climate change. Kostis Hatzidakis, as one of the primary architects of this path, is called upon to balance the expectations of the markets with the needs of society, in a balancing act that will determine the political future of the party.