On Friday, Greece’s Finance Minister, Kyriakos Pierrakakis, officially submitted his candidacy for the Eurogroup presidency, the powerful council of Eurozone finance ministers. Although the Belgian candidate is considered a frontrunner, the Greek bid carries strong symbolism and enhances Greece’s international credibility.
The election will take place on December 11, with a two-and-a-half-year term officially starting December 12. If elected, Pierrakakis will remain Finance Minister and further consolidate his standing within the government and party, providing stability and political capital ahead of the 2027 national elections.
Domestic Political Implications
Pierrakakis’ candidacy has significant political repercussions in Greece. The Eurogroup term extends beyond the current government, potentially bolstering New Democracy and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis by highlighting stabilityand international recognition.
At the same time, Pierrakakis’ position as Finance Minister enhances his personal credibility, as digital initiatives like eGov have demonstrated his ability to operate effectively in an international environment within just a few months. However, some within ND are closely watching this development, as his tenure in the Ministry of Finance has lasted only eight and a half months.
DW Interview: The Greek Comeback
During his visit to Berlin, Pierrakakis spoke to Deutsche Welle, addressing the economy, inflation, investments, and digital governance.
- The Greek comeback: The minister emphasized that Greece is in a phase of “comeback,” with positive economic indicators and growing international credibility.
- Inflation and challenges: The government is closely monitoring prices and taking measures to support citizens, while international conditions continue to impact the market.
- Data protection and investments: Pierrakakis highlighted the importance of transparency and personal data security for attracting foreign investment.
The candidacy of Kyriakos Pierrakakis for the Eurogroup presidency is not just a strong political signal for Greece but also a key instrument for government stability and enhancing the country’s international standing. The outcome of the December 11 vote is expected to influence both the economic trajectory and domestic political landscape, shaping the Greek “championship” within and beyond ND.
Source: pagenews.gr