ATHENS – Government spokesperson Yiannis Oikonomou referred to the obligatory vaccination of citizens over 60 during a press briefing on Thursday.

“Critical times demand difficult and courageous decisions in the public interest,” the government spokesperson stressed. He emphasised that the measure was not punitive, nor the associated fine a way to increase revenues, but sought to increase vaccination among the age group that was most at risk and accounted for a very large proportion of deaths from Covid-19.

Oikonomou reported that appointments to get the vaccine had increased more than 10 times after the measure was announced.

The government is turning economic advantage into social gains. The benefit from growth is transferred directly to society and to those who need support, but also as a moral reward to healthcare workers, Economou stressed and referred to the amendment that was voted on Wednesday that provides emergency financial support for low-income pensioners, uninsured elderly people and those qualifying for disability pensions. The aid, amounting to 250 euros plus 50 euros for each dependent, will be paid at the end of the month.

Turning to other issues, he announced that a bill with eight changes to modernise the social insurance body EFKA will be brought to parliament in January, while he also outlined plans to support state universities and announced that the prime minister is to attend an event on school curriculums on Thursday.