“This government has proven in the most difficult moments of these seven years that it knows how to manage major and difficult crises and protect Greek society,” emphasized Development Minister Takis Theodwrikakos, speaking Thursday morning, March 5, on OPEN’s “10 Everywhere” show. “The Development Ministry has prepared a series of emergency regulatory measures and we are in complete readiness to implement them. The only thing remaining is the overall government decision,” noted Mr. Theodwrikakos.
Read: Kostis Hatzidakis on Middle East conflict: No energy security issue in our country (Video)
The Development Minister stressed that the government is closely monitoring developments in the Middle East and their potential impact on the economy and market. “The climate of concern and uncertainty that exists at this moment in the broader region requires serious and responsible statements, continuous monitoring and vigilance from us,” he added.
As he explained, if military operations continue for several weeks, “there is a significant possibility of negative effects on the global economy and especially in Europe,” as the broader Middle East region is a primary source of energy resources.
“Approximately one quarter of the energy raw materials used internationally come from this specific region. Therefore, there is an issue of significant cost burden for oil transportation,” he noted. “We are obliged to have this scenario on the table and be ready to intervene,” he emphasized, pointing out that the prepared measures aim to protect the economy, society and especially consumers. “I want to send a clear message: there is no possibility of accepting any form of lawlessness in the market. Profiteering is not acceptable, we will not allow anyone to play speculative games,” he said.
“The control mechanism of the new Independent Consumer Protection Authority on full alert”
Mr. Theodwrikakos pointed out that the control mechanism of the new Independent Consumer Protection Authority is already on full alert, conducting hundreds of market inspections. “The phenomena we have identified are relatively limited and with the implementation of measures they will be eliminated,” he emphasized. Responding to a question about sending two frigates and fighter aircraft to Cyprus, as well as Turkey’s reactions to the missile system presence in Karpathos, the Development Minister stressed: “Greece will not discuss with anyone whether it will exercise its sovereign rights. Our islands are our islands and there is no question about the deployment of Armed Forces or about decisions taken by KYSEA and the Prime Minister.”
According to Mr. Theodwrikakos, the country follows a responsible security and stability policy in the region, supporting Hellenism where needed and securing national interests: “Greece uses its power to defend both its own rights and the rights of Hellenism everywhere.” Finally, he referred to Greece’s enhanced geopolitical and energy role. “Our homeland is a NATO member country, with strategically important relations with the US, which we will honor,” he emphasized.
As he mentioned, “Greece through specific agreements is being transformed into an energy security center for the Eastern Mediterranean, the Balkans and the European Union,” emphasizing that these developments strengthen the country’s geopolitical position and create new prospects for the Greek economy and employment.
