Within the next few days, the Ministry of National Economy and Finance will submit a supplementary budget of approximately 600 million euros, due to the huge cost to the economy from the bad weather “Daniel”. And as Minister Kostis Hatzidakis mentioned, speaking on ANT1 TV, from the total amount, 450 million euros will be used for state aid and 150 million euros for covering farmers.

He added that projections are already being made based on “Jan” for the amount of damages, but the first official assessment will be in the draft of the new budget at the beginning of October.

Asked about the Prime Minister’s announcements at the TIF, the minister said that the aid for the personal difference will be given to pensioners (December or January), as well as the increase in the social solidarity allowance, which are commitments of the government. On the contrary, he stated that he believes that there will be no extension of the shopping card (market pass), due to the costs from “Daniel”.

Mr. Hatzidakis pointed out that the target for a primary surplus of 0.7% of GDP is non-negotiable and that it would be a mistake to ask the Commission to relax the fiscal policy, because it would send the message that Greece will begin to slide back into crisis.

Regarding the heating subsidy, the minister said that what was done last year will be followed again this year, with the subsidy at the pump. Finally, regarding the phenomena of profiteering, especially after the disasters in the Thessalian plain, he declared that “there will be no mercy with profiteering”.