In an interview with all the material in Kontra’s main bulletin, the Minister of Labor Niki Kerameos was invited to answer on the “hot” topics of the current affairs, from the crisis in the agricultural sector and the investigations in the OKAYuntil the internal party “complaining” about ELTA and Samara’s statements.
Asked about the tension with the farmers and his issue OKAYthe minister emphasized that the government and the prime minister had already taken the decision to transfer the organization to her control AADE “at an unsuspected time”, i.e. before the discussion with the European Prosecutor even begins. He admitted that there were “longitudinal distortions» to the body, which led to this decision. Regarding the delays in compensations of the farmers, Mrs. Kerameos attributed the responsibility to the new, stricter control framework of the European Commission, but assured that the relevant ministry has already announced the payment schedule.
Another difficult issue was the management of ELTA and the reactions caused by the closing of branches, even by New Democracy MPs. The minister directly admitted that “something went wrong“, which he detected in the communication. As he said, the “necessary dialogue with the local communities». However, he defended the essence of the reform, saying that the post office model is changing globally and is being upgraded to the “postman at your door” service. He also rejected the term “complaining” for the deputies, saying that it is absolutely “healthy” and part of their job to audit and ask questions.
When the discussion turned to pure politics and the interview of the former prime minister Antonis Samarasas well as in the criticism that ND has turned into a “modernized PASOK”, Mrs. Kerameos was blunt: “I have no comment for the Samara interview”. On the contrary, he emphasized that in 2025 issues such as improving the lives of people with disabilities “they transcend commas and colors” and that the goal of politics is to solve problems.
Finally, the minister focused on her data of employment. He presented charts showing that since 2019, workers have grown from 2.3 million to over 2.8 million, an increase of 500,000 new jobs. Recognizing her problem accuracy and responding to inquiries about the low wages of young people, Mrs. Kerameos countered that the best defense is to increase incomes and reduce taxes. He stood on his rise minimum wage with the aim of 950 euros, in the reduction of insurance contributions by 5.5 points, and described it as an “unprecedented change”. zero tax for young people up to 25 years old with an income of up to 20,000 euros.
The “4 good news” for pensioners
Finally, the minister referred to four positive developments for them pensioners:
€250 boost: Within November, 1.4 million pensioners will receive the “permanent aid” (not extraordinary) of 250 eurosbased on income criteria.
New increase: From January 1st (with payment in December) comes the third consecutive year of increases in pensions, based on the inflation and GDP algorithm.
Personal Difference: The “personal difference” from January 1 is halvedwhich means that for the first time all retirees will see an increase. The definitive abolition of personal difference will take place in 2027.
Taxation: Pensioners will also benefit from the new tax reformas the reduced rates will also be applied to their own earnings, leaving more money at the end of the month.