Hatzidakis Slams Giannitsis: “Nationally Dangerous” to Revive Talk of ‘Greek Statistics’

In a strong-worded response to recent opposition rhetoric, Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis labeled as “misguided and nationally dangerous” any attempts to question the credibility of Greece’s official economic statistics, evoking the notorious “Greek Statistics” of 2009.

Speaking to ERT, Hatzidakis directly addressed comments by former PASOK minister Tasos Giannitsis, who recently raised concerns over the accuracy of national economic accounts.

“Let’s focus on issues where criticism is actually valid. This is not just opposition anymore. Opening up this chapter again could harm the country. Let’s draw some lines,” Hatzidakis stressed.

“There’s nothing inaccurate – ELSTAT operates under Eurostat supervision”

Hatzidakis emphasized that Greece’s Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) has operated for over a decade under strict EU rules and full alignment with Eurostat, dismissing any allegations of manipulated data.

He also referenced the recent public reassurance by Bank of Greece governor Yannis Stournaras, who clarified there is “absolutely no issue” with the reliability of the national accounts.“ELSTAT functions with full autonomy and under tight EU oversight. The statistics are accurate and reflect reality. This is no laughing matter — spreading doubt can have real economic consequences.”

The Trigger: Giannitsis Article on Inventories and GDP

Hatzidakis’ comments followed an opinion piece by Tasos Giannitsis in Ta Nea, titled “Questions about National Accounts and the True State of the Economy.” There, the former minister pointed to a sudden surge in inventories — from 1.7% of GDP (2020–22) to a projected 4.1% in 2024–25 — as a potentially distorting factor in GDP growth calculations.

Giannitsis questioned whether this figure artificially inflates growth data, and warned that the Eurostat must investigate the issue sooner rather than later, unlike the delayed reaction in 2009.

“This isn’t just a Greek issue,” he wrote. “Eurostat is responsible for ensuring the credibility of every country’s accounts. There must be transparency to prevent any shadows being cast on such a crucial indicator.”

On Polls: “We’re in Midterm Dip — Our Job Is Reform, Not Watching Numbers”

Turning to recent polling trends, Hatzidakis acknowledged the midterm slump but pointed out that New Democracy remains well ahead of opposition parties that “still haven’t found their footing.”

He emphasized that the government’s focus is on delivering reforms, not riding polling waves:

• 25 reforms planned for the next six months
• 4 per month
• 1 per week

“In the end, we want to be able to say: We did what we promised.”

Foreign Investors Applaud Greece’s Progress

Wrapping up his remarks, Hatzidakis cited consistent praise from foreign funds and institutional investors:“Every time I meet with investors, they commend the government on growth, exports, job creation, and reforms. This isn’t propaganda. These are the facts. Not everyone is conspiring to paint a rosy picture — the results speak for themselves.”

Greece’s Deputy Prime Minister draws a clear red line: questioning the country’s statistics without solid evidence is not just political posturing — it risks real economic fallout.

The message is simple: don’t mess with Greece’s hard-earned credibility.

Source: pagenews.gr