By Penelope Galliou
On the road strengthening and supporting citizens and especially the most vulnerable, the government continues to walk despite the obstacles posed by the energy crisis and its consequences in the daily life of society. The stigma of government choices, against the adversity of the times, gave again from the floor of Parliament The Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis Speaking at the discussion of the bill of the Ministry of Labor “Jobs Again”, adding to the “quiver” of the government against the crisis due to the war in Ukraine, three more supplies: increase in minimum wage, decrease in unemployment and cheap housing.
Raising the minimum from May 1 – what is the final rate of increase
The Prime Minister reiterated the Government ‘s commitment to increase of the minimum wage from next month, from May 1, but did not specify the amount of the increase. SKAI information, however, states that the suggestions to the government range between 4-6% but the same sources do not rule out the final decision of the government to be greater and possibly up to 7%. A percentage that if added to the previous increase of 2% of the minimum wage at the beginning of the year, will overcome and cover the “hole” in income caused by inflation.
Unemployment is a threat
The prime minister described as a threat to society unemploymentrecalling that ND has been opposing it since July 2019. “A.we have been fighting it for 33 months. Despite the great difficulties, the evidence shows that our effort is taking place. From the summer of 2019 until February 2022, unemployment fell from 17.2% to 12.8%. It is the largest de-escalation in all of Europe. It means that more than 200,000 new jobs have been created and we have surpassed the 4 million mark“, He pointed out that this was achieved in an extremely unfavorable environment.
Cheap housing through OAED – Who are the beneficiaries?
Great importance is given by the government and on the issue of housingwhich is maximized due to the circumstances, with the Prime Minister announcing in advance that OAED will be a pillar for the housing that Greek employees must obtain. «Despite high rates of home ownership, 37% of the population spends more than 40% of their income on housing expenses. One in three Greeks has overdue debts for housing. The housing problem is essential, it must be addressed “ he said and added: “The other side of a thriving real estate market is pushing for smarter policies to offer cheaper housing, especially to young couples.“, Adding that a new social contract is needed that will distribute the wealth first of all to employees and employees who can not see growth as a statistical representation.
After the abolition of the Workers’ Housing Organization (OEK) in 2013, the government restores programs related to the housing of workers and young couples which according to information are expected to concern rent subsidy, grants for the acquisition of a first home with subsidized or interest-free loans but also with the method “rent to own”, ie rent for a certain period of time and then the possibility of purchase before the end of the lease. The construction, reconstruction and concession-rental of social housing with public-private partnerships (PPPs) is also envisaged.
The selection criteria of the beneficiaries have not been “locked” yet, as well as the exact financial tools that will be used. However, the information says that the international experience will be used, where for example newly built apartments that were bought built, are available to new couples, with low rent and low interest or interest-free loan, which is repaid e.g. in 20 years and then their home is leased.
The opposition
The pre-announcement of Mr. Mitsotakis for the cheap housing caused her confrontation with PASOK- Movement for Changewho spoke of the prime minister’s late interest accusing him of copying Nikos Androulakis’s party. Sources of Charilaou Trikoupi commented: “Even the copying of proposals, when it is for the benefit of the citizens is ‘justified’, but as a sign of respect let’s say who put the social housing in the public debate and presented a substantiated proposal having discussed in detail with European leaders who already implement social housing programs“.
Earlier, the head of Labor and Social Affairs of SYRIZA Mariliza Xenogiannakopoulou, referring to the increase of the minimum wage, spoke about the need for an immediate and courageous increase to 800 euros. “Anything else can not even make up for the income of the workers that has been lost during these 8 months and much more to make up for the conditions of accuracy and scandal left by the Mitsotakis government.” he said.
A full-frontal attack on the government was also launched by γ.γ. of the KKE, Dimitris Koutsoumbas calling on the government to withdraw “this disgrace“as characterized by the bill of the Ministry of Labor.
Mr Koutsoubas also called on the government to “give back what has been stolen by all governments“to retirees as well as give back the Easter gift to all retirees and”not the 200 euro crumbs, which you only give in one serving” he said.
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