With sharp words and a stern warning to the market, Development Minister Takis Theodorikacos made it clear that the government will not tolerate unruly behavior. Speaking on Real FM 97.8 radio station, he emphasized that extensive inspectionsfor the implementation of the Code of Ethics are in full swing, while calling on major supermarket chains to demonstrate practical social responsibility.
Theodorikacos orders strict inspections
The minister revealed that numerous complaints from citizens and consumers have been recorded, which led him to personally order intensive inspections. As he characteristically stated: “We have many complaints, which is why I ordered intensive inspections atsupermarkets. The results will be announced in the coming days. Supermarkets must show social responsibility and sensitivity and reduce their average profit margin. They have made a commitment to reduce prices on 1,000 product codes and must do so as quickly as possible.” He also emphasized that the government’s policy supports healthy entrepreneurship, while simultaneously prioritizing social cohesion and supporting all citizens.
Supermarkets and prices: Theodorikacos’s commitments and pressures
Mr. Theodorikacos highlighted the need for major chains to honor their commitments and proceed with substantial price reductions on 1,000 product codes. “They must respect that no citizen should be left behind. That’s why we are strict with the market,” he said, making it clear that the government will continue to exert intense pressure for the consumer’s benefit.
Meanwhile, he announced that from previous development laws that were not completed, more than 70 million euros are being returned to Greek taxpayers. “Our commitment to continue until the end, until we get back every last euro, is strong,” he noted, insisting that the Ministry’s policy is to do “the obvious, the just and the right thing for the entire society.”
Inspections and inflation: What the data shows
When asked about the results that the inspections and measures of the Development Ministry have produced so far, Takis Theodorikacos responded with numbers. “Thanks to continuous inspections we had negative food inflation for six months and currently we have the lowest inflation on basic household living and maintenance items in the entire Eurozone. Regarding food inflation, we are currently at the European average.”
He also referred to the new Independent Authority for Consumer Protection and Market Supervision, which, he said, will become “the control center” for the market. “All citizens will be able to contact the new Authority and it will be a much more powerful mechanism,” he explained, adding that it will be strengthened with 300 new inspectors and modern digital tools.
The minister called on all political forces to support this reform, as healthy competition – as he said – contributes both to improving product quality and reducing prices for consumers.
“Our goal is sustainable development for everyone”
In closing, Mr. Theodorikacos referred to the measures announced by the Prime Minister at the Thessaloniki International Fair, clarifying that they were not aimed at changing the polls. “They were announced because we believe this is the right thing we have to do for our country and Greek society,” he stated.
The minister sent the message that the government seeks a stronger Greece, with sustainable development that leaves no one behind. “When election time comes, the real dilemmas will be posed and citizens will decide,” he concluded.
