What did he say about duties, housing policy and Tempi
The war of dictatorialthe financialand in particular housing policy, but also the case of Temps dominate the interview of the Deputy Minister than the Prime Minister Thanassis Kontogeorgi In the Political newspaper.
In question, in detail, for the If the Greek economy will withstand the world trade warthe deputy minister under the prime minister replies that “The Greek economy is not a feather in the wind, on the contrary, the new challenges find it significantly shielded.”
In addition, he adds, “the systematic effort of recent years has yielded fruit, with steady growth above the European average and significant employment enhancement. Our exports are also constantly improving. The immediate imprint of US duties in the Greek economy is limited, As our exports to the US account for only 4.9% of our total exports and are a much lower percentage of our GDP than the average European rate. “
On the other hand, it is’ obvious that A global economic crisis will not leave any economy unaffected, no matter how strong it is. After all, and ours is influenced by the evolution of European economies. That is why we believe that we need to exhaust any diplomatic media in order for Euro -Atlantic relationships not to be disturbed, to all work wisely. The 90 -day suspension of imposing EU and US duties are positive developments that make us optimistic, but we have a long way to go a long way to clear the scene, ”he concludes.
Asked about the economic policy pursued, he recognizes that “Everyday life has significant difficulties for many of our fellow citizens.” That is why he assures, “our top political priority remains a steady increase in the available income of citizens, to which we are committed from the first day of our government’s term. We have sought it by significantly reducing a number of taxes that pay the middle classes, with direct aid, where it was deemed necessary – such as in electricity bills – but the most structural and important, with the government’s constant care for wages. “
For the latter in particular, he points out that ‘the increase in the minimum wage At 880 euros from April 1, which also concerns civil servants, it has been its fifth consecutive reinforcement step since 2019. Overall, the minimum wage has increased by 35.4% compared to the EUR 650 in 2019, overcoming the cumulative inflation of the period. From this increase, more than 1.6 million of our fellow citizens, including 575,000 private sector workers, civil servants and beneficiaries associated with the minimum wage are immediately benefited from this increase. Overall, average wage has increased to € 1,342 during this time, up 28.3% since 2019. “
At the same time, ‘the recovery of our economy is also reflected in Reduction of unemployment to 8.7%the lowest level of the last 15 years, with the creation of 500,000 new jobs since 2019. ” Nevertheless, he adds, “We are not yet at the point we want. We fully recognize the difficulties and that is why we work for better market operation, consumer protection, improvement in income, interventions in factors that affect daily costs of living. “
For them housing policiesTh. Kontogeorgis points out: “We focus particularly on creating opportunities for young people to acquire their own home through low -profile funding programs. The results are already visible, with thousands of citizens already benefiting. The “My Home 2” program started this year with expanded criteria. In addition, since the beginning of 2025 we have instituted tax incentives to increase housing supply on the market. “
While for them students And their families facing particular difficulties, “we have greatly enhanced housing benefits to meet modern needs.” And, in conclusion, “other interventions and new ideas are definitely needed. There are no easy solutions, but it is an issue that will be of concern to us for a long time and we need to constantly strengthen our policies. “
For the railway tragedythe Deputy Minister, rather than the Prime Minister, notes that “the tragic event in Tempi still hurts all of Greek society. From the outset, the position of the government was responsible and clear: a complete investigation of events and the performance of responsibilities where they belong. We have argued with institutional interventions the smooth functioning of the Justice in order to proceed with the required pace and attention required by the seriousness of the case. The creation of an independent accident investigation organization is a presumption of the government’s will for transparency. “
On the contrary, he continues, “some political forces have chosen to reach conclusions before the conclusion was completed. They have selectively focused on part of the findings that fueled speculations rather than definitive conclusions, even reaching the point of others to submit a distrust proposal based on them and others proceed with their statements to extremes. “
In conclusion, “the approach difference is essential: we have chosen the path of institutional responsibility, awaiting the completion of the judicial investigation. We did not use the tragedy for political benefits, respecting the pain of families and the need for society, and the government, for truth. We remain stable in our commitment: Independent justice will give responsibility where there are, without exceptions and privileged treatment for anyone. “