A study conducted by ALCO on behalf of the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EVEA) showed that the majority of Greek people are not convinced by government claims on the impact the 2013 primary surplus will have on their everyday life.
Specifically, the study showed the 66% felt that there would be no discernible impact whatsoever, compared to 22% of respondents who argued that there positive effects and 12% which refused to answer.
When asked about the progress of the Greek economy, 68% were pessimistic and only 14% was optimistic, while 18% of respondents did not provide an answer. Likewise, when asked about personal finances, only 12% were optimistic compared to 74% who were pessimistic in their estimations.
Regarding the government’s priorities for 2014, the study showed that “increasing employment” and “financial recovery” was at the top of the people’s concern, followed by “exiting the bailout”, “political stability” and “changing the government”. The study also showed that 61% welcomed the operation of stores on Sundays, while 22% were against it and 12% were undecided.
The EVEA president Konstantinos Michalos commented that the study indicates that the recession is far from over and that the majority of people are not convinced by the government plans for the primary surplus. Mr. Michalos claimed that this was reflected in the people’s prioritization of job creation and economic recovery over all other goals.
