Greek minister highlights faster economic recovery and lower youth unemployment than France

State Minister Akis Skertzos voiced concern for the hardships of French citizens, especially the younger generation, before drawing a contrast between Greece and France. He reported that Greece’s real GDP has risen by roughly 13% since 2019, a rate he described as more than twice that of France over the same period. Greek public debt, which peaked near 210% of GDP during the pandemic, is now on a downward trend, whereas France’s debt ratio continues to climb.

Greece is projected to run a modest overall budget surplus and maintain a strong primary surplus, allowing extra social spending despite inflation pressures, while France faces a 5.4% deficit that may force spending cuts. Unemployment figures for August show Greece at 7.4% overall and 15.6% among youth, both lower than France’s 8.2% and 20.6% respectively. Skertzos highlighted policies aimed at young Greeks, such as zero tax on the first €20,000 of earnings for those under 25, a digital work card, increased student housing benefits, new dormitory construction, and low-interest loans for first-time homebuyers.