Athens, Nov 21 (EFE) .- The Greek government estimates that even after the distribution of a "social dividend" worth 1,400 million euros, the primary surplus will reach 2.45% this year. of the gross domestic product (GDP), clearly above the 1.75% agreed with the creditors.

According to the draft of the general budgets of the State for 2018 sent today to the Parliament, also next year the primary surplus (which excludes the payment of interest on the debt) will again exceed the levels required in the program of associated measures to the third rescue and, instead of the 3.5% expected, it will amount to 3.8% of GDP.

The budget draft foresees for 2018 an economic growth of 2.5%, in Greece while for This year, the GDP will only register an increase of 1.6%.

If the estimates were met, it would be the first time in nine years that the Greek economy shows remarkable growth. only in 2014 had registered a slight increase of 0.7%.

The bill, which will be discussed in plenary as of December 18 and vote on 22, also includes the introduction of new taxes and cutting measures for a total of 1,900 million euros.

Among the measures is the elimination of the reduced VAT rate in force in 32 islands of the Aegean Sea, halving heating assistance for people with low incomes and introducing a tax of between 15% and 45%) for rented flats in platforms such as the popular airbnb.

The 2018 budgets include revenues of 50,509 million euros, an increase of 1,794 million euros with respect to this year, and expenses for a total of 48,438 million euros, 2,077 million less than in 2017.

In addition, it foresees that public investments reach 6,750 million euros, the same amount as this Year.