All those affected by the devastating fires from May 1 until the publication of the law (and not from July 27, which was the original date) will be compensated by the state. As stated by the Minister of Finance, Christos Staikouras, the relevant amendment was made in Act of Legislative Content which is being ratified today in Parliament, adding that the affected areas of the country will obviously expand.
Speaking on MEGA television, the minister also said that the fourth payment of compensation to those affected (households and businesses). Meanwhile, next week, compensation for July's «haircut» rents will be credited to property owners' bank accounts.
Mr. Staikouras also stated that «we will exhaust the fiscal space in 2022 with additional tax and contribution cuts and the implementation of social policy.» He commented that «the crucial issue is not whether the “basket” (of announcements) is empty or full, but whether it contains policies that improve citizens» disposable income.".
As to whether the Ministry of Finance will provide additional support to the catering sector when, from September 13, unvaccinated people will be banned from entering enclosed spaces, Mr. Staikouras said that Today, the restaurant is operating normally but is also receiving support from the state. (programs of the Ministries of Development and Finance, «Bridge I» and «Bridge II»). He added that «support is adequate in the catering sector, and we will see if the current support also covers future obligations.».
Finally, he reiterated that based on leading indicators (industrial production, unemployment, economic climate, construction, tourist flights, and average expenditure per tourist) «the estimate of 3.61% growth this year is entirely feasible, realistic, and probably conservative.».
