This is because it was observed, especially with the announcement of the program for the replacement of old appliances, a very large increase in the price of air conditioners in many stores, which he described as “unacceptable”
“We are preparing an amendment which will be submitted to parliament tomorrow, which will put a ceiling on the profit margin for air conditionersthese will also be included in our current general arrangement” he announced speaking on the First Program 91.6 and 105.8 and the show “The GPS of Current Affairs” with Thanos Siafaka, the Minister of Development and Investments, Adonis Georgiades.
As he explained, this is because it was noticed, especially with the announcement of the program for the replacement of old devices, very large increase in the price of air conditioners in many stores, which he described as “unacceptable”. “So air conditioners will also be included in this provision. And obviously in these cases, apart from the imposition of fines, the subsidy will not be given,” added Mr. Georgiadis.
In regards to profiteering in the market, the Minister of Development noted that the competent agency makes non-stop checks and imposes fines almost every day. “We have put the legal ceiling on the profit margin and we are trying to tighten the market as much as we can,” he said.
On the other hand, he added, we have an inflation significantly higher than the European average. for two reasons. Explaining who they are, he clarified that “one reason is purely statistical, as we in the first half of 2021 had a big deflation, so we start from a lower base and the second is that we have a lot of growth and when the economy grows one of the things that produces it’s also inflation.” He added, however, that the estimate of the Commission and the services in our country is that in the second semester this gap will be closed.
Regarding the dealing with accuracyMr. Georgiadis was categorical that nothing will change regarding fuel taxes.
“Certainly the government will not leave anyone alone in the crisis, as it has proven so far and we understand that inflation being too high and inflation too high is mainly affecting the low income earners who are under a lot of pressure. Inflation is socially unequal, that is, its effects. So the government is definitely studying, will study and take measures as it has done so far in everything to be able to reduce this social inequality. As long as our economy is doing very well, and so far it is doing, fiscal margins are created that return to our fellow citizens,” said the Minister.
Asked if it is open to the possibility of giving the requirement of accuracy, emphasized that he, as Minister of Development, is in favor of any kind of measure that the budget can bear and which will help to reduce these social inequalities. “I am in favor of any measure that will help people who do not get their period to get it. I don’t want to feel that we who are in a better fate are indifferent to those who are in a slightly worse fate than us,” he emphasized.
Regarding the central European stance on the problem, he expressed the assessment that it is very difficult for Europe to cut money again. “Giving a lot of money in a time of high inflation is not easy. 75% of our inflation is due to energy,” he said.
In the broader field of the energy crisis, Mr. Georgiadis noted that perhaps we are currently facing a new phase, as he continued “if Russia closes the natural gas tap, the developments in the energy sector will be completely unpredictable, therefore I cannot to forecast fuel prices”.
More specifically, Greece in the adequacy part is and will be in a much better fate than the countries of northern Europe, pointed out Mr. Georgiadis, as they are already taking very tough measures, while he cited as an example that the largest private organization in Germany that rents about 500,000 houses announced that it will regulate the thermostat for the winter at 18 degrees.
“In Greece, it doesn’t seem that we will need to take such measures, but to be completely honest and the conversation never taking place in the area of ​​consumption, it is as if we live in a different world. When Mr. Skrekas said something about the water heater in an interview, there was an uproar. These recommendations have been given by the European Commission and in Greece they will not become mandatory, but we must all bear in mind that next winter we will have the biggest energy crisis since World War II.
Finally commenting on the “Coordinated Action” program in Germany, initiated by Chancellor Scholz, through which consultations between trade unions, employers, industry to deal with high inflation, Mr. Georgiadis emphasized that the Federal Republic of Germany has a large culture in such agreements, which he admires, as he characteristically said, while he expressed the expectation that something similar would happen in our country. “It’s a very nice way for society to be able to get along with each other in good faith instead of turning against each other on a problem that is purely external and has no easy solution. I think it would be good for us to do it too” said the Minister of Development and Investments.
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