“We are fighting a daily battle to increase the disposable income of citizens and lower the level of prices on the shelf. We especially support families and households that face greater difficulties“, stressed the Minister of Development, Takis Theodorikakos, in response to a question from the ND MP. Giorgos Vlachos.

“We must do everything to reduce social inequalities and make healthy market competition work. Emergency situations also require emergency measures that in another situation a liberal government like ours would not be forced to take“, continued the Minister of Development.

Mr. Theodorikakos referred to the strengthening of the independent Competition Commission with 50 new officers so that it can respond to its work “and to its core mission which is whether there are cartels in the market“, as he pointed out. He also talked about doubling the maximum fines and strengthening DIMEA with 30 additional officers for more checks. Consumer information is also strengthened through the e-katanalotis platform.

He then emphasized that food inflation in Greece in November it is at 0.8% according to Eurostat’s estimate compared to 2.9% in the Eurozone. He even cited as examples countries such as Germany with 3%, Belgium and the Netherlands with 6%. He added that inflation within supermarkets is negative. “Our policy is paying off and we will do whatever it takes to control prices.”

The Minister of Development then emphasized the big problem with high rents, especially in the basin, and that many interventions must be made by the Government to support the citizens who are forced to live on rent.

Talk about her reduction of unemployment from 17.5% to 9% this five-year period, resulting in the gain of 500,000 jobs, but also to increase the minimum wage by 28% in the last three years. He also emphasized the great support, amounting to 50 billion. euros, in the difficult years of the corona virus.

Then, Mr. Theodorikakos stated that “we don’t put fines for communicative few. Those who break the law pay without exception. The law is the law and it applies to everyone». In closing, he emphasized that “we will be with the society till the end and we will win this battle».