G. Economou: We will exhaust every tool and every available euro to support society

By Dimitris Gatsios

“We will exhaust every tool and every available euro,” is the message the government sends on the front of supporting households and businesses. The strategy of Maximos Palace and financial staff, in the face of the great economic and geopolitical doubts created by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, is moving in two directions. On the one hand, implementation of the measures announced for the month of April. On the other hand, reserves for the possibility of new shielding interventions, with… the door remaining open regarding the reduction of VAT, despite the fact that it is currently not on the table.

What concerns the government staff and became, once again, evident during the briefing of journalists by Mr. Economou, is the imprint of any measures announced to have a direct reflection on the relief of society and, above all, the most vulnerable.

“The measures of April have not been implemented yet, so that the people can see their impact. As the Prime Minister has clarified, we still have reserves and we will be on the side of society, especially the most vulnerable, as needed, exhausting every tool and every “Concrete things, once measured, will be announced by the Prime Minister and will be implemented and implemented for the people to see …”, said the government spokesman. “There are always reserves and whatever is needed, if we measure it correctly and we are sure of its effectiveness, that is, it will relieve the most vulnerable within the limits of the economy, we will process it and timely, correctly, measured and specifically announce it to the world. “What is a priority is the implementation of the measures for April …”, he added, when asked about the possibility of reducing VAT on food.

The government, meanwhile, continues to send messages of reassurance about food adequacy. “Our country has worked out all the scenarios, even the most unfavorable ones. We have taken all the measures. The market is functioning normally, there are no shortcomings. The supply chain is working as it should. The country has taken all the necessary measures. so that we do not face any problems in the security of the supply chain … “, pointed out Mr. Economou. “The prime minister has made it clear that the controls in these difficult times we are living in can only be intensive and relentless. Zero tolerance for profiteering, zero tolerance for unfair commercial practices …”, he added, while criticizing, through of which … he photographed SYRIZA. “At the moment, those who undermine political stability, those who poison the world with lies, those who produce spectacle instead of substance, those who criticize from above and deal with their party manors do not offer services to Greece or its people.” stressed.

At the same time, during the briefing, Mr. Economou, among others, noted:

– Developments in the war in Ukraine do not allow optimism. The blood tax is heavy and human losses are increasing daily. Millions of people are being driven out by the invaders into exile. We are used to saying that war is the most disgusting work of the people, but what happened in Boutsa goes beyond the repulsive limits and redefines barbarism. No one has the right to be on the side of the enemies of man, the enemies of humanity. The stain on the perpetrators of the crimes in Boutsa will be historically indelible.

-Vibrations in the global and European firmament are becoming even stronger. The surge in international gas prices and international speculative trends are causing unprecedented price increases and very serious consequences for the economies in all the societies of our continent. Every day, people and businesses go up to their own Golgotha ​​to cope with the problems that have been created by the war and continue to be created. The government is constantly trying to facilitate everyday life and solve as many problems as possible. No social and professional group has been left helpless and will not be left. We are constantly creating new possibilities of support and we are fighting to keep the country and the society standing. We are still in control of developments and we always try to be one step ahead of events.

– The situation seems to be getting worse because President Putin is trying to blackmail Europe by demanding payments for Russian gas in rubles. The days ahead for the whole of Europe are and still are difficult and the risk of prolonged uncertainty and instability is becoming more and more probable. Already in all European countries, businesses and households – especially the most vulnerable – are facing serious problems. All over Europe, inflation is climbing at rates we have not seen in 40 years and is limiting people’s purchasing power. The truth must not be hidden by every party and every politician, in this difficult time of how much truth he can endure.

-The decision of the government is to exhaust the last available euro to support the citizens. But always balancing between two basic political principles. On the one hand to continue the targeted interventions to the economically weaker and on the other hand to respect the budgetary limits set by the needs of the economy. We have a plan and we are moving forward based on it.