The possibility of extending the profit margin cap on businesses -which came as a consequence of price increases recorded on many products due to the Middle East crisis- was left open on Wednesday morning (10/06) by Takis Theodorikakos. Speaking on Parapolitika 90.1 and the show “Opposite Microphones” with journalists Sotiris Xenakis and Vasilis Skouris, the Development Minister clarified that imposing the cap is a harsh and strict measure, but it was necessary due to inflationary pressures brought by the military conflict in the Middle East.
Theodorikakos: Extension of profit margin cap remains possible
In this context, Mr. Theodorikakos emphasized that efforts are currently being made to reach an agreement between representatives of the food industry and supermarket representatives- food products are recording the largest price increases- however, if this is not achieved, then there will be an extension of the profit margin cap beyond June 30th. In fact, the Development Minister added that Greece is the only country in Europe that has implemented this measure.
“I like being close to society”
“I like being close to society and what the average citizen experiences,” said Takis Theodorikakos, referring to the fact that many households pay significant amounts annually for private tutoring and preparatory courses for their children, emphasizing that this involves “untaxed money without receipts,” but “constitutes part of what Greek households experience as high costs.” With this reference, the Development Minister wanted to show that the issue of high prices has many different ramifications, emphasizing that great efforts are being made overall by the government to strengthen citizens’ incomes.
“The country is doing better in the fiscal field”
When asked if our country’s purchasing power has decreased, Mr. Theodorikakos admitted that “it is among the weakest in the EU,” but it is improved compared to the past. He mentioned that the issue of high prices doesn’t only concern the Development Ministry, as “we’re talking comprehensively about the economic situation of the country and households.” “The country is doing better in the fiscal field,” Mr. Theodorikakos added.
Fines from the Independent Authority are normally imposed
Asked to comment on a recent news story where a “hefty” fine was imposed on a large multinational company and questioned whether fines imposed by the Independent Authority are actually collected, Mr. Theodorikakos initially mentioned that efforts are being made to reduce prices and then clarified that all fines are normally collected. “Justice decides if they were wrongly collected, the theory that they’re not collected is a theory to prevent fines from being imposed,” the Development Minister continued. “We don’t live in a society of angels,” Takis Theodorikakos added, emphasizing that inspections by the Independent Authority are conducted normally and fines are imposed.
The reference to Antonis Samaras
Asked whether Antonis Samaras should create his own party or return to New Democracy, Mr. Theodorikakos emphasized that “his differences with ND are not such as to lead him to form a party,” clarifying that he considers creating a party a mistake. “He should think about it very seriously and calmly,” the Development Minister characteristically said about the former prime minister.
Speaking about Kostas Karamanlis, Mr. Theodorikakos characterized him as “a personality connected with the history of our faction” and emphasized that “whatever has created distances must be lifted.”
Theodorikakos on Tsipras: Polls show he’s taken the lead in the battle for 2nd place
Finally, asked if Alexis Tsipras’s Greek Left Alliance could become New Democracy’s main opponent in the next parliamentary elections, Mr. Theodorikakos characterized such a possibility as “very likely.” “Polls show he’s taken the lead in the battle for 2nd place,” Mr. Theodorikakos commented and added that the dilemma for the next election is whether we will move “forward with ND toward 2030” or have a “return to Tsipras with his 2015 experiments.”
