Georgiadis – “Reasonable” price increases of 15% at the Christmas table

To support households and businesses against energy price increases, 1.1 billion euros have been spent, while the support measures will continue and will be intensified in 2022, as the Prime Minister said in Parliament. This was stressed by the Minister of Development and Investment, Adonis Georgiadis, speaking to Ant1 channel.

Asked why the Special Consumption Tax on fuel, which was created with the aim of combating smuggling, is not abolished, Mr. Georgiadis explained that it is an important source of revenue for the State and a deficit will be created if it ceases.

Referring to the data of ELSTAT, he said that for the inflation in November, the biggest part was related to energy, as it also drags the prices of other products. He noted that the market in Greece is still operating competitively and prices are maintained at reasonable levels, with the assistance of control mechanisms.

Specifically for the Christmas table, which is estimated to be 15% more expensive compared to last year, the minister explained that this makes sense given that last year we had deflation due to the closed economy.

General lockdown is excluded

“We have ruled out a general lockdown,” clarified the Minister of Development and Investment, Adonis Georgiadis, about the possibility of taking new measures against the spread of the coronavirus, in view of the festive season, speaking to Ant1. He did, however, foresee relevant announcements by the competent minister in the coming days.

He clarified, at the same time, that he has not requested a reduction of the hours or the capacity of the entertainment centers during the festive period, reminding that the entrance is allowed only to vaccinated people.

“We put too much weight” on the Tsiodras-Lytras study

Referring to the Tsiodras-Lytras study, without degrading it, as he stressed, he said that “we have placed too much value on it”. We are aware of the pathogenesis of the NHS, he said and stressed that he sees no political expediency in the report. “It is a scientific issue, the same problems are discussed by the Ministers of Health in other countries,” said Mr. Georgiadis.