ATHENS – The consequences of the war in Ukraine are particularly painful for the Greek economy, exacerbating an already negative climate on the inflation front, which is negatively affecting households and businesses.

In the face of this grim situation, the government is trying to find effective tools to mitigate, as far as possible, the impact on the economy.

Finance Μinister Christos Staikouras stated in the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA) that “the Greek government is already doing, and will continue to do, its best to reduce the negative consequences of high prices.”

The minister stressed that “the Greek economy, following the release of 2021 figures, showed great resilience as well as strong and sustainable dynamic.” However, he stated that all this is affected by the new – global – environment of high uncertainty and insecurity. An environment that requires composure, confidence, prudence and determination. In this environment of increased challenges, mainly the huge increase in energy costs, the Greek government is already doing, and will continue to do, its best to reduce the negative consequences.

Christos Staikouras stated:

– The government will continue to subsidize electricity and natural gas bills.

– It will further reduce the Uniform Real Estate Ownership Tax (ENFIA) in order to support the disposable income of the vast majority of citizens, mainly of the lower income ones.

– It will increase, for the second time this year, bravely but realistically, the minimum wage.

– It will proceed in the coming weeks, depending on the budget execution and the potential fiscal space, to an additional support for our weak fellow citizens.

– Finally, it will seek, at European level, new “lines of defence”, for additional support to households and businesses.