A Bloomberg report, citing three sources familiar with the matter, states that the surplus over the primary balance target in the 2025 budget will likely amount to at least one percentage point, giving the government room for new support measures. The primary surplus will likely reach 4.8-4.9% of GDP, according to the same sources, compared to the 3.7% budget target. Meanwhile, the general budget surplus – which includes interest payments for public debt servicing – is likely to reach approximately 1.6% of GDP versus a target surplus of 0.6%.
What the Bloomberg report says about the budget
The report notes that these figures could still change before the European Commission publishes fiscal data on April 22. Although there is still potential for minor adjustments, sources expect the overall fiscal picture to be much better than targets.
What the Greek government is planning
Bloomberg notes that with the new target overshoot, Greece’s track record expands, with 2025 being the fourth consecutive year that the primary surplus will be higher than the target. The Greek government plans, due to the Middle East crisis, to revise growth forecasts, with GDP now estimated to grow around 2% in 2026, down from the previous 2.4% target, according to one source.
Officials have set a primary surplus target of 2.8% for this year. Based on budget execution so far, it already appears likely that this target will also be exceeded, Bloomberg reports.
