The Head of Finance of the Prime Minister’s Office, Alexis Patelis, resigned today, Monday (9/12).
According to CNN Greece sources, Mr.Patelis took over at a time when the Greek economy was in a bad state, the greek economy is now on another level, as he describes it in his job and he considers that he has come full circle in this particular job.
He will remain until December 31, his successor will be announced soon.According to details, he has nothing else booked for the future, the first thing he will do in the new year is to go on vacation.
In his post, he writes about his resignation:
“Five and a half years ago, the Prime Minister made me a very honorable offer to take on the position of Head of the Finance Office.
In 2019, our country was still under capital constraints. The biggest economic achievement of this government is a return to investment grade and stability. This achievement marks the return of our country to an habitat of reliability, rapid growth and possibility.
After a long career in the private sector, I was given the opportunity to serve my country and I will be forever grateful.
I informed the Prime Minister that I intended — after five years — to finish my work as Prime minister at the end of the year.
I would like to thank everyone with whom I have worked, but above all, I would like to express my gratitude for the confidence shown in me by the Prime Minister and for the honor he has given me in the joint effort of the government .
although we still have a way to go, economic growth is more than double the European average and the reforms implemented have resulted in lower unemployment, a significant reduction in debt, increased investment and credibility abroad. 2025 is very different from 2019.
our homeland has enormous potential, and under the leadership of Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the country is steadily moving towards a better future for all.”
What qualities should the next Head of Finance in Greece possess to navigate future challenges?
interview with Financial Expert on Alexis Patelis’ Resignation from the prime Minister’s Office
Editor: Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Elena Tarasova,a leading economist and financial expert,to discuss the recent resignation of Alexis patelis,the Head of Finance at the Prime Minister’s Office in Greece. Dr. Tarasova, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Tarasova: Thank you for having me. It’s a significant moment in Greek economic history that we need to unpack.
Editor: Absolutely. Patelis announced he would step down at the end of December after five and a half years in the role. What are your thoughts on his contributions to the Greek economy during his tenure?
Dr. Tarasova: Alexis Patelis entered the office during a challenging period for Greece, especially in 2019 when the country was still grappling with capital constraints. His leadership has undoubtedly ushered in a new era of economic stability. The achievement of returning Greece to investment grade is monumental and speaks to the trust that investors now have in the Greek market. This has created a more conducive environment for rapid growth.
Editor: that’s a critical point. He mentioned that greece now has economic growth more than double the European average. What are the implications of this for both domestic and international stakeholders?
Dr. Tarasova: The implications are significant. for domestic stakeholders—including businesses and consumers—it means increased job opportunities and possibly higher wages as businesses expand. For international stakeholders, it positions Greece as a viable investment destination, encouraging foreign direct investment. This can bring new technologies, practices, and an influx of capital into the economy.
Editor: He also expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for the opportunity and highlighted the importance of collaboration in achieving these goals. How vital is teamwork in government financial sectors?
dr. Tarasova: Teamwork is crucial.A government’s financial health relies not just on the finance head but on a cohesive effort across various ministries and with the financial institutions. Good economic policy requires diverse perspectives and expertise to craft strategies that move the nation forward. It’s a complex web that needs to be effectively managed.
Editor: He plans to take a vacation before embarking on his next professional chapter. How critically important are breaks for leaders in high-pressure financial roles?
Dr.Tarasova: Breaks are essential. Leadership, especially in finance, can be incredibly taxing emotionally and mentally. A well-rested leader can think more clearly, react more swiftly to emerging challenges, and bring renewed energy to their next ventures. It’s also a great opportunity for reflection on past experiences, which can influence future decisions.
Editor: Lastly, Patelis stated that he believes Greece has enormous potential under the leadership of prime Minister Kyriakos mitsotakis. What steps should the government take to maintain this upward trajectory?
Dr. Tarasova: To maintain and accelerate this upward trajectory, the government should continue implementing structural reforms aimed at increasing competitiveness. Fostering innovation, investing in education, and enhancing digital conversion across sectors will be vital. Moreover,maintaining a close dialogue with the private sector can provide insights into emerging trends and needs,allowing policymakers to be proactive rather than reactive.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Tarasova, for your insights on this important topic. The resignation of Alexis Patelis certainly marks a transition for Greece’s financial landscape, and it will be interesting to see who steps into his role next.
Dr. Tarasova: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these vital issues. The future of Greece’s economy has the potential to be very bright, and the new Finance Head will play a crucial role in that journey.