The need to implement “a network of immediate and medium-term proposals to address the problem” emphasizes the candidate for the president of SYRIZA-PS, Nikos Pappas in his intervention today for the support of the citizens, businesses and the regions that were affected.

In his statement, N. Pappas speaks of “incalculable damages” and “indescribable responsibilities”, calling on the prime minister to “stop communication management”.

“No one will be allowed to exploit the situation for petty politics. Neither to those who manage it nor to those who judge the deeds of the “irresponsible-responsible”. Responsibilities to be taken and accounted for now. Not in some unspecified “after”, he notes and underlines that “the management of the consequences of Janos, with the hundreds of millions of euros in direct assignments and aid directed to everyone other than those affected, with the necessary projects that were not done, did not creates a feeling of security and transparency”.

“Unprecedented disasters require unprecedented public intervention. In every level. In big scale. Corresponding to the needs”, he says.

Specifically, N. Pappas proposes the following, among others:

– To exclude any cost of restoration and creation of new infrastructure, as well as support of the affected areas and societies from the Stability Pact.

-To revise the Greek plan for the Recovery Fund for the inclusion of all network reconstruction and anti-flooding projects.

– With the increase in the occurrence of extraordinary and extreme phenomena, we have to study a new support plan for those affected (residents and businessmen). Following the -insufficient in many cases- support measures (600 euro emergency allowance, 6,000 euro for replacement of household goods, 4,500 euro for injury – disability, interest-free loans, etc.), there should be provision for a stable income from on the first day and until people fully return to their daily lives.

-As far as businesses are concerned, we should, with an application to the Directorate General for Competition of the European Commission (DG COMP), citing an emergency, request an exemption from the State Aid Directive, applying the model of the Refundable Advance Payment with a 50% subsidy , as happened in the pandemic. At the same time, the provision of loans, 80% guaranteed by the Greek State, through the Development Bank, to businesses that want to invest in the affected areas should start immediately.

– That a public body implementing housing policy (according to the standards of the former OEK or by expanding the purposes of KTYP S.A.) undertake the obligation to rebuild the affected areas in safer locations. And to provide the new homes with interest-free long-term loans, strictly at cost price. Provision should be made for the free provision of housing to people with low incomes and to those who meet specific social criteria (number of family members, level of income, etc.).

– To completely replace the livestock under the State’s responsibility.

-There should be immediate intervention in the EU for immediate assistance to the affected areas through the Solidarity Fund. The need also arises for the creation, in parallel, of a European Fund for Losses and Damages from Climate Change, with the Commission borrowing from the market, in the context of mutualization of the debt (eurobond) that it launched. 100% damage boost and working capital for a new start. In this context and with the resources it will secure in the above way, the E.U. to mobilize the CAP crisis reserve and to propose an emergency instrument from the European Agricultural Fund, so that farmers affected by major natural disasters receive immediate emergency aid. These will certainly be done through a new wider ELGA.

– To suspend auctions and confiscations. To lift account seizures. To provide an unencumbered business account. The Development Bank, with its intervention, to guarantee existing loans. Also, that our proposal, the proposal of SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance, for the management of private debt be implemented. In all cases, protection of the primary residence of households, businessmen and professionals (farmers, self-employed, etc.) is required.

– To proceed with state investments through the national PDE for the creation of infrastructure of energy communities and RES, which will be handed over for management to the residents, under the responsibility of the local authorities. There should be preferential electricity pricing in the next five years.

– To provide for exclusion penalties in case of delay in the completion of public works. Strict similar specifications in public contracts concerning the prevention of accidents related to the climate crisis. Independent authority on the speed of public works to draw up a strategy for the country. Supervision of the auditing services of the state administration and the local government, also charged with the imposition of sanctions on contractors.

-It is understood that the measures of Janos that do not overlap the above are normally included in the program.

“The call for climate policy and resilience is louder than ever. We will not be able to prevent extreme weather events, but we must protect the population and shield their properties, villages and towns, our infrastructure. We must remain standing. With a plan and results”, he concludes.