“We are planning for a very difficult winter,” said the Deputy Minister of Finance, Theodoros Skylakakis, pointing out that we are going through a period of increased inflation, however the government will do everything it can to help the most vulnerable.
Speaking at the OT FORUM held in the context of the 86th Thessaloniki International Fair, Mr. Skylakakis refrained from giving specific details of the relief plan that will be implemented by the financial staff in the near future, referring to the speech of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis this evening, but he revealed – when asked regarding – how the measures in pensions are given.
In particular, Mr. Skylakakis emphasized that the support plan is updated and includes energy, but also broader issues, noting that the goal is to replace expensive natural gas with other fuels and to encourage energy conservation, as well as help to citizens who cannot adapt to these changes. Referring to the increased prices of natural gas, Mr. Skylakakis stated that an important element is that if the increases were for gasoline, it would now be at 10-12 euros per liter.
“September is a special month”
Regarding the energy mix, the Deputy Minister of Finance stated that September is a special month, “it is considered the last month of summer, although it is autumn, aquifers are empty and the cheapest type of energy has not been exploited. At the same time, lignite, which is not a cheap fuel (200-220 euros/megawatt hour), has not entered the equation, while traditionally this month we do not have much wind for wind turbines to come into play.”
“Be that as it may, the great majority of households will be supported, we will have scales according to consumption, but the saving part will also play a big role. The benefit from the savings will be significant”, he pointed out and added that the prices that will be set will allow households to get through the winter.
Asked about where natural gas prices will fluctuate in general, Mr. Skylakakis emphasized that “it will depend on whether we have a ceiling, depending on what will happen in Ukraine as well. There are many factors.”
“We act on the basis of the worst-case scenario”
With reference to taxes and whether there will be a reduction in the special fee for self-employed professionals, the Deputy Minister of Finance characteristically emphasized that he does not see this kind of development. “We will see what the prime minister will present. As a government we do not take hasty decisions and act based on the worst case scenario,” he added.
“We are planning for a difficult winter, if it turns out to be the opposite there will be an evaluation and possibility for something further. A typical example is that a week ago gas was 340 euros and in one day it fell to 240, this 100 euros which is 7 billion in GDP,” said Mr. Skylakakis.
In addition, the Deputy Minister of Finance stated that the pension measures are a given, since as he said the rise in GDP adds to pensions. As he said, growth will move to 4% to 5% this year, unless something changes dramatically.”
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