![Fin. Min: Support measures will exceed 10 billion euros for 2022](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/staikourasvouli8.jpeg)
The financial support to households and businesses this year will significantly exceed 10 billion euros, compared to the initial estimates of 8.5 billion euros. The Greek Finance Minister, Mr Christos Staikouras said, adding that a part of this support will come from the budget and an even larger part will come from the Energy Transition Fund.
Speaking to Alpha 98.9 radio station, the minister appeared particularly cautious, noting that “we have to be very careful in achieving our fiscal targets (a 2% GDP primary deficit this year and a primary surplus in 2023), because the markets are thoroughly assessing it.”
He added that “after taking seriously into consideration the sources available, we proceed with our choices (of support measures). There is limited fiscal space and high uncertainty.”
The fiscal space
According to Mr Staikouras, the initial fiscal space was used up, due to electricity subsidies, Fuel pass-2 and the financial support we offered to farmers. The new additional fiscal space will depend on the announcements of the Hellenic Statistical Authority on Q2 GDP,on budget and on tourism revenues, he added, among other things.
According to the Athens Macedonian News Agency, Mr Staikouras noted that gas and electricity price trends in the coming months should also be considered, as the more the resources for support measures, the more they are constrained by other options.
However, he said that pension increases and the abolition of the solidarity levy for civil servants and pensioners are considered permanent measures from 2023 onwards.
The heating allowance
Concerning the heating allowance (its increase and expanding the number of beneficiaries), he referred to the Prime Minister’s announcements at the TIF, saying that “the heating allowance is one of the measures evaluated in the existing or the new additional fiscal space”. He also referred to the Prime Minister’s announcements on the possibility of a reduction in the business tax.
As ot.gr has already written, there will be an at least 20% increase in the amount of money to be allocated this year for heating allowance compared to last year. Moreover, at the same time, the number of beneficiaries will also be expanded by increasing the income limits in the range of 40,000 to 45,000 euros, depending on the number of family members, as already happens with fuel pass.
![ot.gr](/wp-content/themes/whsk_otgr/common/imgs/fav.ico/favicon-32x32.png)
![ot.gr](/wp-content/themes/whsk_otgr/common/imgs/fav.ico/favicon-32x32.png)
Latest News
![Gov’t Eyes Return of Power Subsidies Amid Spike in Rates](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/power-lines-2048x1365-1-600x400.jpg)
Gov’t Eyes Return of Power Subsidies Amid Spike in Rates
According to reports, the government will resume an electricity subsidization program, given that forecasts cite disruptions – i.e. higher rates
![ELSTAT: 6.3% Increase in Output Price Index for Agriculture and Livestock](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ot_georg_PROIONTA_money-1-600x352.png)
ELSTAT: 6.3% Increase in Output Price Index for Agriculture and Livestock
The 6.3% rise in May 2024 is largely driven by an 8.8% increase in the crop output group, particularly due to changes in olive oil prices, and a 0.5% increase in the animal output group.
![Balkans Blackout Highlights Climate Threats to Power Grids](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/blackout-1-600x457.png)
Balkans Blackout Highlights Climate Threats to Power Grids
The surge in electricity demand during the heat wave and the power deficit in Balkan markets have driven up prices in the Greek wholesale electricity market.
![Greece in Top 4 Destinations Favored by European Tourists](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/ploio-600x400.jpg)
Greece in Top 4 Destinations Favored by European Tourists
Greece was selected by 5.9% of respondents who were asked where they would vacation this year, up from 5.4% in the same survey last year
![Scope Affirms Greece’s BBB- Ratings; Revises Outlook to Positive](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/euros-2048x1365-1-600x400.jpg)
Scope Affirms Greece’s BBB- Ratings; Revises Outlook to Positive
The international ratings firm raised Greece to investment grade in early August 2023
![First Seaplane Test Flights to Skopelos, Alonissos, Skyros](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/hellenic-seaplanes-pilotikes-ptiseis-ydatino-pedio-lavriou-600x450.jpeg)
First Seaplane Test Flights to Skopelos, Alonissos, Skyros
After decades of on-again, off-again efforts to schedule regular seaplane routes to Greece's numerous island and coastal destinations the prospect now appears within sight
![ELSTAT- Overall Import Price Index for May 2024 up 2.8% y-o-y](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/unnamed-41.jpg)
ELSTAT- Overall Import Price Index for May 2024 up 2.8% y-o-y
The same price index had decreased 20.8% from May 2022 to May 2023
![Over 7 in 10 Employees Feel Their Contributions Are Not Appreciated](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ergasia-ergazomenos-600x300.jpg)
Over 7 in 10 Employees Feel Their Contributions Are Not Appreciated
Specifically, the option "Subjective opinions are prioritized over objective data" ranked highest in importance for young employees, with a score of 3.89 out of 4
![OECD: Job Vacancies on the Rise in Greece](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ergasiabusinness-768x556-1-1-600x434.jpeg)
OECD: Job Vacancies on the Rise in Greece
By the fourth quarter of 2023, job vacancies per unemployed person had risen by more than 4, with the index reaching 446 units compared to 100 units in late 2019
![OTE Group: FTTH Program Advancing in Semi-Urban and Rural Areas of Greece](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ΟΤΕ-Group_1-600x450.jpg)
OTE Group: FTTH Program Advancing in Semi-Urban and Rural Areas of Greece
This initiative will provide ultra-fast internet speeds of up to 1Gbps to over 350,000 households and businesses in semi-urban and rural areas across the country