Skertsos: Greece's Inflation Below EU Average, Defends Fiscal Reserves as Opposition 'Promises Bankruptcy'

Minister of State Akis Skertsos said Greece's inflation has tracked slightly below the European Union average since 2019, dismissing accusations that the country's cost-of-living crisis is uniquely severe, while sharply criticizing opposition spending proposals ahead of upcoming elections.

In an interview with voria.gr, Mr. Skertsos said Greece's cumulative inflation, in both headline and food

He confirmed new heating cost measures would be announced this week, aiming to bring prices well below last April's closing level of €1.75 per liter, alongside a broader heating subsidy increase and extended diesel support through October.

Mr. Skertsos argued opposition proposals from PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis and Alexis Tsipras, head of the new ELAS party, would cost three to four times Greece's annual spending limits, calling debt-funded giveaways "a recipe for a new bankruptcy" that would ultimately burden the middle class.

He said much of PASOK's program duplicates existing government policy under different branding.

On regional development, Mr. Skertsos pointed to Greece's "Region 2030" strategy, citing over €20 billion in EU recovery and cohesion funds channeled to the regions since 2021, alongside a 9,210 increase in businesses and significant employment gains across northern Greece.

Asked about potential rival Antonis Samaras launching his own party, Mr. Skertsos said he would withhold comment until such a move becomes reality rather than speculation.

Διαβάστε περισσότερα στο iefimerida.gr

Minister of State Akis Skertsos said Greece's inflation has tracked slightly below the European Union average since 2019, dismissing accusations that the country's cost-of-living crisis is uniquely severe, while sharply criticizing opposition spending proposals ahead of upcoming elections.

In an interview with voria.gr, Mr. Skertsos said Greece's cumulative inflation, in both headline and food prices, remains marginally below the EU-27 average, and credited the country's budget surpluses with allowing Greece to be among just five EU nations implementing permanent income support and new tax cuts rather than spending cuts.

He confirmed new heating cost measures would be announced this week, aiming to bring prices well below last April's closing level of €1.75 per liter, alongside a broader heating subsidy increase and extended diesel support through October.

Mr. Skertsos argued opposition proposals from PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis and Alexis Tsipras, head of the new ELAS party, would cost three to four times Greece's annual spending limits, calling debt-funded giveaways "a recipe for a new bankruptcy" that would ultimately burden the middle class.

He said much of PASOK's program duplicates existing government policy under different branding.

On regional development, Mr. Skertsos pointed to Greece's "Region 2030" strategy, citing over €20 billion in EU recovery and cohesion funds channeled to the regions since 2021, alongside a 9,210 increase in businesses and significant employment gains across northern Greece.

Asked about potential rival Antonis Samaras launching his own party, Mr. Skertsos said he would withhold comment until such a move becomes reality rather than speculation.

Διαβάστε περισσότερα στο iefimerida.gr