The support measures being planned by the Greek government took center stage in the latest statements by Minister of National Economy and Finance Kyriakos Pierrakakis, who announced that there will be fiscal room for new interventions in favor of society. Speaking on the “Morning Interventions” program on MAX FM 93.4 radio station in Patras, the minister made clear that the relevant discussions are already underway and concern both the overall size of the measures and the policy mix of interventions that the prime minister will announce at the Thessaloniki International Fair. He also addressed the fight against the high cost of living, the need to boost household incomes, and the initiatives being pursued to manage private debt and support citizens facing financial hardship.
“There will be room for new measures — that is a given, I can tell you that right now. There will be fiscal space and there will be targeted support for society,” the minister stated emphatically, signaling the direction of the government’s plans for the period ahead.
Kyriakos Pierrakakis on support measures: What is being planned ahead of the Thessaloniki Fair
Kyriakos Pierrakakis explained that the full package of interventions to be presented at the Thessaloniki International Fair is currently being finalized. As he stated: “We are discussing the total fiscal space — that is, the amount and the mix of specific measures that the prime minister will announce. But I can tell you from the outset that there will be space, there will be interventions, there will be measures in the general direction we are discussing.”
He also clarified that the so-called “energy escape clause” represents a separate policy area, linked to additional and targeted interventions for energy investments, and does not form part of the announcement package being prepared for the Thessaloniki Fair. Addressing the problem of rising prices, the minister stressed that the government is working on three key fronts: increasing incomes, reducing tax and social security burdens, and intensifying checks against profiteering.
“The best answer to the high cost of living is to have more jobs and better-paid jobs. To have more disposable income — higher disposable income. And to have an economy that grows in a way whose benefits reach every household.” He made clear that he does not consider the problem resolved, stressing that a core objective of economic policy remains narrowing the gap between rising prices and citizens’ disposable income.
Kyriakos Pierrakakis on support measures and a second chance for those in debt
The minister also made particular reference to the issue of private debt, noting that many citizens continue to face financial difficulties stemming from past obligations. “Despite the significant progress of the economy, there are still citizens who are carrying the burdens of the past. They need a chance to restart. We cannot talk about growth that concerns everyone if we don’t also provide a solution for these fellow citizens.” In this context, he outlined a series of interventions that have already been set in motion or are being implemented. These include reducing the eligibility threshold for the out-of-court debt settlement mechanism from €10,000 to €5,000, the option to repay debts in up to 72 installments, raising the seizure-exempt account limit from €1,250 to €1,600, the possibility of releasing frozen accounts for those who comply with their repayment arrangements, and measures protecting primary residences.
The minister summarized the philosophy behind the interventions by saying: “To support those who are truly in need, without penalizing those who have remained consistent in meeting their obligations. In other words, more settlement options, fewer dead ends, and more citizens who can actively participate in economic life.” In closing, he also referred to the development prospects of Achaia and Western Greece as a whole, expressing his belief that in the years ahead, the region can play an even more significant role in the country’s growth trajectory, through more and better-paid jobs and higher household incomes.
