The its expansion and enlargement fuel subsidyannounced the Minister of Finance, Christos Staikouras speaking on SKAI and the show “Unmatched”.
«The fuel subsidy will probably need to be extended and expanded in the near future and the card will need to be extended. How it will be done will depend on the needs, capabilities and priorities that the prime minister will set.“, He stated characteristically.
He added that this and next week mainly will exist payment of more than € 500 million in state aid to the citizen’s wallet.
«I’m referring to accuracy check of 200 euros, to farmers and stockbreeders which will receive about 47 million euros, ie 2% of the turnover of 2021, in taxi drivers and in fuel subsidy which will be given through the platform that will open in the coming days. And I leave aside the 640 million euros electricity subsidy“, He pointed out.
He noted that assistance will continue in Maynoting that “we will see what it will be».
Asked if a change of method is being considered, with direct cash payment to the world or imposition of a ceiling on the price of wholesale electricity, he replied that “everything is examined and will be discussed centrally by the prime minister».
In fact, he stressed that the interventions that will be implemented will depend on the strength of the budget, the needs and what we have to do in the next period.
«We need ammunition to maintain it reduction of VAT on catering and transport and the next half, which is 250 million euros. We also need ammunition for 2023 to abolish the solidarity levy for all citizens and permanence of reduced insurance contributions by 3%. These are the two measures that do not have a permanent character and their cost amounts to 3 billion euros».
In terms in the reduction of VAT on foodMr. Staikouras appeared cautious, emphasizing that “we have quantified it, but there are priorities for what can be achieved. We want the reduction to reach the citizen’s wallet and it is not certain that it will not be lost in the supply chain “.
Regarding the increase in the minimum wage from 1 May, stated that the “conditions for a brave increase»Exist and relate to high growth, productivity and competitiveness.
«Raising the minimum wage should help people’s incomes, but not create disincentives to the need to further reduce unemploymentHe added.
Asked about any interventions in the energy sector and any imposition of a ceiling on the price of wholesale energy, the minister pointed out that “the root of the problem is the war and the irrational increase in gas prices that entails electricity prices. So there is speculative pressure on these prices. ”
In this context, he stressed that at European level, it should be decided on common gas supply, ceiling on the price of gas and decoupling its price from the price of electricity.
«The second intervention we have called for in Europe is how to create a fiscal space so that each country has the cash it can support households and businesses.“, He added, explaining that the relevant decisions will be taken at the May Summit.
Finally, referring to the course of the Greek economy, he predicted growth of 3% (more conservative than IMF estimates) and inflation of more than 5%.
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