The Minister of Finance announced plans to adopt an additional package of measures to address the wave of price increases affecting households and businesses, Christos Staikouras. As he characteristically stated, «We are designing a network of measures to provide comprehensive and concise assistance to households and businesses.».
The minister stated (speaking on SKAI TV) that the wave of inflation is more severe and is lasting longer than initially estimated. Specifically regarding inflation in the country, he said that «I can confirm that December will be even higher than November.". “It is very likely that the ”5» (i.e., in the percentage) is at the front.’ However, he reiterated that the phenomenon will be temporary and that price increases for goods and services will begin to ease by the second quarter of 2022, and for energy, primarily in the second quarter.
Regarding the support provided by the government to date, the minister cited as an example a final electricity bill from the Public Power Corporation (PPC), where the increase is 195.43 euros and the total reductions from the government and the utility amount to 117.41 euros. He added that «this does not fully address the problem, and we are working with the Ministry of Energy to expedite further measures in December and in 2022.».
When asked about this, Mr. Staikouras left open the possibility of abolishing the solidarity levy in the public sector as well, starting in 2023. He said that «depending on future fiscal space and based on changes to the Stability Pact starting in 2023, we will use this leeway primarily for further reductions in taxes and contributions and to support critical sectors, such as health.».
Regarding the recent rise in borrowing costs, the minister stated that «we need to remain calm, act prudently, and think ahead. Essentially, Greece will, in every respect, be treated favorably by the ECB, and the goal is to achieve investment-grade status by 2023 at the latest.».
Finally, he said that The allowance will be paid out to healthcare workers and retirees by Christmas.
