Amounts of more than 500m euros will be given to help citizens this week and next, Finance Minister Christos Staikouras announced. As he clarified, they will concern the “check of accuracy” of 200 euros, the aid to farmers and stockbreeders (a total of 47 million euros), the subsidy of 200 euros for taxis and the subsidy of fuel (the platform will open in the coming days).
In statements on SKAI TV, the minister said that “obviously the aid will continue in May”, adding that “we will see what it will be in the next period. We are examining everything, but the decisions will be taken at the central government level”. . Especially for fuel, he stated that “the intervention should definitely continue at this level as well”. However, when asked about the possibility of reducing VAT on food, he said that “we have quantified the reduction of VAT on food, but there are priorities.” While, he added that this reduction may not reach the citizen and get lost in the supply chain.
According to Mr. Staikouras, any moves will depend on the strength of the budget and the needs that will exist in the near future. He reiterated that “ammunition” should be kept, as the reduced VAT on transport and catering (cost 250 million euros) should be extended until the end of the year, while in 2023 the solidarity contribution for all employees and retirees should be abolished. and to make the reduced insurance contributions permanent (cost of these two measures, 2 billion euros).
The minister also referred to the decisions to be taken at European level in May, both at the Energy Summit and at the budgets of the Member States for 2023.
Finally, he said that, based on current data in the economy, GDP growth this year will be around 3%, while inflation will rise above 5%.
Source: Capital
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