ΑΤΗΕΝS — Government spokesperson Aristotelia Peloni began the press briefing on Monday with a reference to the prime minister's announcement of a 'Freedom Pass' cash incentive for young people that choose to get vaccinated.

"Our country is currently experiencing a decline of the pandemic and growth in the economy," she said. "It gradually transitioning to the opening of social and economic activities but remains constantly vigilant. During the period that passed, the government supported workers and businesses with a programme exceeding 40 billion euros and kept the productive sector on its feet," Peloni pointed out.

"Now, as Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced earlier, he will reward young people aged 18-25. They are the young people who saw their studies disrupted, who missed out on their friends and fun. Every young person who has been vaccinated in 2021 or gets vaccinated going forward, together with the first dose of the vaccine, will get a prepaid digital card, a digital wallet of 150 euros that can be stored on a mobile phone but will also be available in physical form. It will cover things like tickets for travel, hotel bills but also admission to concerts, cinemas, theatres and museums," she explained.

As the prime minister pointed out, Peloni added, this was a debt owned to young people and a "gift" of gratitude but also an incentive for young people to get vaccinated, protect their lives, and help combat the virus.

She added that perks for vaccinated people will be announced over the next few days.