The Minister of National Economy and Finance Kostis Hatzidakis comments on the new increase in the minimum wage with “five points”.

In a video posted on Tik Tok by Mr. Hatzidakis, he notes that “the minimum wage when ND took over was 650 euros and has reached 830 euros” and that with the new increase “gross wages on a 12-month basis are 968 euros”

According to the Minister of National Economy, the rate of increase in the minimum wage is much higher than the increase in inflation and that Greece is in 11th place in the EU. relative to countries that apply the minimum wage.

“Some people in Greece have the privilege of popularizing and nullifying everything. We try to act seriously. And to strike a balance between the great and real needs of employees on the one hand and the capabilities of businesses on the other. I think the way things are going shows that we are succeeding! And we continue!”, concludes the Minister of National Economy and Finance Kostis Hatzidakis.

In detail, the post of Mr. Hatzidakis:

“5 things about the new increase in the minimum wage and anyone who wants to question them!

1. The minimum wage was €650 when New Democracy won the elections in 2019 and now it has risen to €830.

2. On a 12-month basis, the gross earnings are €968 per month and the net earnings are €823.

@kostis_hatzidakis 5 things about the new minimum wage increase and anyone who wants to question them! #tiktokgreece #fypgreece #neadimokratia ♬ original sound – Kostis Hatzidakis

3. In relation to the 22 EU countries that have a minimum wage regime, Greece is in 11th place in terms of the nominal value of the wage. And in terms of purchasing power in 13th place. I note them not to celebrate, but to emphasize that we are not “last of the last”, as some claim.

4. While the inflation increase from 2019 to 2024 is a cumulative 16.5%, the minimum wage increase is 28%. Much more, that is, than the increase in inflation.

5. The average salary, because some argue that “the minimum may have risen, but the average salary is not rising”, was, based on the data of the ERGANI System, €1,046 in 2019 and rose to €1,258 at the end of 2023. Enough above inflation too.

“Some people in Greece have the privilege of popularizing and nullifying everything. We try to act seriously. And to strike a balance between the great and real needs of employees on the one hand and the capabilities of businesses on the other. I think the way things are going shows that we are succeeding! And we go on!”