ND plan: High on the agenda reform of NHS, a reduction in contributions and water utilities return to the State

New Democracy has set the “blue” legislative priorities and the blue files, in case a government is elected, are ready. Emphasis is placed on projects, wage increases and further tackling tax evasion.

The very first moves, will concern issues on reforms through the Recovery Fund. This includes the reform of the NHS, which has been characterized as the big bet, with 8% of the total resources from the Recovery Fund grants being directed to Health.

The first bills are expected to be submitted in the summer. It is estimated that the measures for the announcements for the period 2023-2024 will have been passed by August. The regulations that will first be voted on in the Parliament will concern the organization of the central administration, the distribution of responsibilities and the operation of the cabinet. In addition to the key bill, which will include all commitments in the tax field, the first three bills will concern water. It will provide for the return of of Athens and Thessaloniki water works, EYDAP and EYATH respectively, under full state control, which practically means that they will leave the Superfund and return to the direct supervision of the Ministry of Infrastructure.

The president of New Democracy recently reiterated that in the first blue files the return , of EYDAP and EYATH under full state control is a decision made. It should be noted that the Superfund directly controls 50%+1 share of EYDAP and indirectly 11.33% through TAIPED, i.e. 61.33%. The Superfund controls 50%+1 share of EYATH and 24% of TAIPED.

Market pass

It is possible, after the second semester, to decide to extend the market pass as long as the pressure of accuracy lasts.

Social security contributions

According to the forecasts of the Stability Program, the growth rate will be 2.3%, the primary surplus will be 1.1% of GDP and if the figures are confirmed, there will be a fiscal space of 700-800 million euros. This leaves a window to distribute this bonus, until the end of the year, to vulnerable citizens.

The announcements also include the new reduction in insurance contributions. The cost amounts to 230 million euros in 2025, the first year of a new reduction, with an equal burden in 2026 and to 509 million euros in 2027. Salary increases for civil servants to the tune of 500 million euros will also be seen from 2024. According to the pre-election announcements, the starting salary, child allowances and liability allowances will be increased and achievement bonuses will be implemented.