The Greek Minister of Finance, Mr Christos Staikouras, spoke on the show “MEGA weekend” about the price rises and the support measures for citizens.
Regarding measures to alleviate the problem of price rises, the Minister said that the subsidy of electricity and natural gas will continue and will depend on the price that will be set every month at a pan-European level and, specifically, in our country.
Moreover, there will also be new measures, that are recently announced, but have not yet been completed.
Regarding the repayable advances, Mr. Staikouras stated that the debts on the platform can now be paid in 96 installments and an extension may be granted until the end of May, for those citizens who want to pay and to have a further 15% discount. From June their debts will be paid in 96 installments, instead of 60.
Reduced VAT for another six months
To the question of whether there will be a debt ‘haircut’, the Minister replied no, as this entails budgetary costs. He then announced that the ministry’s intention is to extend reduced VAT to cafés, restaurants and transport for another 6 months. It is recalled that it normally expires in June 2022.
“This means that this year we have to find an additional 250m euros,” the minister said.
Concerning the special tax on fuel
Regarding the reduction of excise duty on fuel, Mr. Staikouras said that targeted measures were announced for citizens in real need.
“With the income criteria we set, we cover 3 million owners, that is 86% of the total,” the minister pointed out and explained that, if a family owns two cars, and they are registered in different names, with the family income being up to 30,000, then they are entitled to the “traffic” allowance, while an additional 5 euros subsidy will be provided, if the payment is made by card.
In conclusion, the Minister announced that the tax returns will start in the week ahead.
Latest News
PM Mitsotakis from Naxos: Decarbonization Fund to Facilitate Islands’ Green Transition
“The resources will help connect the islands to the mainland's electricity grid," he noted.
Retail Sales in Greece Up 0.8% in Q4 2024: ELSTAT
Retail businesses in the food and fuel sectors posted a turnover of €6.82 billion in Q3 2024, a 1.2% increase compared to €6.73 billion in Q3 2023
September in Greece Winning Tourists Over from US, Germany
Tourists continue to visit Greece off-season into Sept. with the number of inbound travelers up by 6.6% and a 7.9% rise in travel receipts.
Bank of Greece Governor Says EU will Retaliate to Trump’s Tarrifs
The Bank of Greece Governor defended the independence of central banks amid criticism from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who had publicly commented on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powel
September in Greece Winning Tourists Over from US, Germany
Tourists continue to visit Greece off-season into Sept. with the number of inbound travelers up by 6.6% and a 7.9% rise in travel receipts.
Bitcoin Surges Toward $100K Amid Pro-Crypto Optimism in US
According to Reuters, the cryptocurrency surged to an all-time high, briefly exceeding $96,898 during Asian trading hours.
Greek Driver Violations at a Touch of a Button
Traffic offences recorded in the last five years by Greece’s “Driver Behavior Control System” are now available on Gov.gr Wallet
Milan Tops List of Most Expensive Streets, Athens’ Ermou Holds Steady at 15th Place
In Athens, following Ermou Street is the southern suburb of Glyfada and Tsimiski Street in Thessaloniki.
New Gov.gr Service Enables Secure Reporting of Minor-Related Delinquency
It should also be noted that via the recently introduced initiative ‘Safe Youth’ application citizens have access to specially tailored informative material regarding the safety of children and adolescents
Thousands Strike in Athens Over Soaring Living Costs and Stagnant Wages
Inflation, particularly in food prices, has been crushing Greek households