ATHENS — Finance Minister Christos Staikouras, in an interview with Skai radio on Friday, outlined the government's road map on issues of economic policy leading up to 2022, noting that the top priority will be to make the reductions in social insurance contributions and a solidarity levy permanent, as well as lower VAT rates for the hospitality and tourism sectors.

Depending on the fiscal space available, he added, the next decisions might be for a further reduction of the ENFIA property tax by eight percent and other tax cuts announcement prior to the pandemic.

"Our fundamental goal is mainly for fiscal space to be addressed to cuts in taxes and social insurance contributions and a part toward a targeted increase in spending where there is a significant social impact," he said.

Staikouras said that no economic pressure had yet appeared due to the uncertainty caused by the Delta variant of the novel coronavirus, with good developments offsetting this bad outcome, repeating that the ministry's target of 3.5 pct growth was realistic.

On the possibility of a new lockdown, he said that this must not happen, as it would do great damage to the country's finances and the economy.