The government’s stance on the new package of interventions against the effects of the Middle East crisis was outlined by Pavlos Marinakis, during Monday’s (23/3) briefing of political editors, defending the emergency and targeted nature of the measures announced earlier by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, which will be detailed by the relevant ministers. Meanwhile, the government spokesperson also referred to the beginning of the Tempe trial, emphasizing that “we all have a duty to let justice officials carry out their work unimpeded, away from pressures, interventions or a climate of polarization.”
Pavlos Marinakis on Tempe trial: Critical stage in the search for truth and justice for the victims
“The trial for the tragic Tempe accident began this morning, a process expected to shed light on one of the most painful events of recent years. Before the Three-Member Criminal Court of Appeals of Larissa are a total of 36 defendants, of whom 33 are referred for felony charges, demonstrating the seriousness of the case and the weight of the responsibilities being examined,” the government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis noted characteristically, and continued, saying:
“The beginning of the trial marks a critical stage in the search for truth and justice for the victims, their families and their loved ones. Society watches with intense interest, but also with respect for the process, expecting clear answers and accountability where appropriate.”
Concluding his statement on the matter, he emphasized: “We have absolute confidence in Justice, which, after evaluating what emerges during the hearing process, will reach a decision. We all have a duty to let justice officials carry out their work unimpeded, away from pressures, interventions or a climate of polarization.”
In the briefing to political editors, Pavlos Marinakis also referred to the new package of emergency interventions, with which the government seeks to absorb part of the shocks caused to the Greek economy by the flare-up in the Middle East. The measures emphasize fuel costs, transportation and primary production. In this context, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced earlier today a diesel fuel subsidy in the distribution network, aiming – as emphasized – to limit the burden on the supply chain and prevent the increased cost from being passed on to the final consumer.
Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis stated that the government is proceeding with additional measures to support society against the effects of the Middle East war, following the cap on maximum profit margins on fuels and basic supermarket products until June 30. As he said, at the core of the interventions is the subsidization of diesel fuel in the distribution network, to limit the pass-through of increased production costs to consumers, as well as the granting of Digital Fuel Cards with expanded criteria, covering approximately three out of four million vehicle owners.
Mr. Marinakis further emphasized that the package includes subsidies for fertilizer purchases, as well as special compensation to ferry companies, which will be linked to mandatory ticket discounts, aiming to contain price increases. At the same time, he noted that to finance the measures, taxation on profits from online “casino-type” gambling is being modified to secure 100 million euros, while the specification of interventions will be made within the day by Minister of National Economy and Finance Kyriakos Pierrakakis and Deputy Minister Thanos Petralia.
Extremely difficult conditions in the Middle East
Regarding developments in the Middle East, he said we are in a difficult period, emphasizing that Greece is a force for peace. In his introductory statement, he noted that more than 2,000 Greek citizens returned safely from the war zone. “The Greek State did its duty. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs organized, under extremely difficult conditions, a demanding evacuation operation that combined land transport, chartered flights and Air Force flights,” he said.
On Varoufakis’s statements
Asked to comment on Yanis Varoufakis’s statements to a Turkish newspaper, in which he openly expressed his opposition to Greece’s military aid to Cyprus, characterizing Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s move as “deplorable,” he said the government has no intention of becoming an interlocutor with the former SYRIZA minister, who seeks to provoke.
Pavlos Marinakis’s introductory statement
“Good afternoon and good week,
Additional measures to support society from the effects of the Middle East war were announced a short while ago by the Prime Minister, following the cap on maximum profit margins imposed on fuels and supermarket products until June 30.
Specifically, Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced:
1. Intervention in diesel fuel costs, aiming that the increased production cost is not passed on to consumers. The state will subsidize diesel fuel in the distribution network by 16 cents per liter. The benefit in the final price – with VAT – will amount to 20 cents per liter.
2. Special support is granted in the form of Digital Fuel Cards, which can be used at gas stations, public transport, and taxis. The average is calculated at 36 cents per liter. This means that with an average monthly consumption of 70 liters, the measure translates to 50 euros per two months for mainland Greece and 60 euros for our islands. The criteria for issuing this card will be expanded to cover approximately 3 out of 4 million vehicle owners.
3. The state will subsidize 15% of fertilizer purchase receipts.
4. Special compensation is established for ferry companies as defense against high marine fuel prices. The compensation will be linked to mandatory discounts that must follow on tickets.
To secure the necessary resources, taxation on profits from players of online “casino-type” gambling is modified to secure 100 million euros.
The Prime Minister emphasized that “all of the above are made possible thanks to the benefits brought by the positive trajectory of the economy and prudent fiscal management. The government stands and will stand by every Greek woman and man, as it did in every difficult moment so far. While our homeland will overcome again all the storms caused by events beyond our borders, having unity and social cohesion as daily weapons. In uncertain times the homeland needs a stable compass in its orientation.”
The specification of measures will be made today at 13:30 by the Minister of National Economy and Finance and President of the Eurogroup Kyriakos Pierrakakis and Deputy Minister Thanos Petralia.
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The trial for the tragic Tempe accident began this morning, a process expected to shed light on one of the most painful events of recent years. Before the Three-Member Criminal Court of Appeals of Larissa are a total of 36 defendants, of whom 33 are referred for felony charges, demonstrating the seriousness of the case and the weight of the responsibilities being examined.
The beginning of the trial marks a critical stage in the search for truth and justice for the victims, their families and their loved ones. Society watches with intense interest, but also with respect for the process, expecting clear answers and accountability where appropriate.
We have absolute confidence in Justice, which, after evaluating what emerges during the hearing process, will reach a decision. We all have a duty to let justice officials carry out their work unimpeded, away from pressures, interventions or a climate of polarization.
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More than 2,000 Greek citizens returned safely from the war zone. The Greek State did its duty.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs organized, under extremely difficult conditions, a demanding evacuation operation that combined land transport, chartered flights and Air Force flights.
“I would like Greek citizens anywhere on earth and under any conditions to feel safe, that the homeland will always stand by them,” declared Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis.
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Following laboratory confirmation of a foot-and-mouth disease case in Lesvos, urgent measures were implemented to prevent the spread of the disease.
At the same time, an order was given to activate the Local Foot-and-Mouth Disease Control Centers, for coordinating relevant services and timely public information.
The Ministry of Rural Development and Food calls on livestock farmers, traders, transporters, slaughterhouses, dairy facilities and everyone involved in the production and distribution chain to strictly follow the guidelines of competent veterinary authorities.
The ministry leadership – after consultation with the Ministry of National Economy and Finance – announced there will be compensation for milk collected during the measures. It is clarified that foot-and-mouth disease is not transmitted to humans and does not pose a threat to public health.
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Funding of 50 million euros, increased by 25% compared to 2025, is allocated by the Ministry of Interior to Municipalities and their Associations for implementing fire protection actions within 2026.
Indicatively, they can fund actions to prevent fire risk and fire suppression, such as:
• preventive vegetation clearing in areas of special protection, namely groves, parks, camps,
• implementation of preventive measures to avoid fires from operating uncontrolled waste disposal sites,
• procurement of equipment such as tankers, generators, radios, etc.
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The Digital Work Card extends to new sectors, already protecting 2 million workers in sectors such as: industry, retail, banks, insurance and supermarkets.
The measure’s extension concerns the private healthcare sector – hospitals, diagnostic centers, nurses, administrative staff, paramedical professions except doctors, as well as telecommunications, cleaning, companies dealing with job placement, hairdressers, dry cleaners, beauty centers and funeral offices.
There will be, as happened with other sectors, a pilot implementation period to familiarize workers and employers in these sectors and make necessary sector-specific adaptations. The measure’s contribution is decisive in cleaning up the labor market. Last year alone, 2.7 million more overtime hours were recorded compared to the previous year.
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Nine ancient vessels being repatriated to Greece were received by Culture Minister Lina Mendoni in a special ceremony at the Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest, in the presence of Hungary’s Deputy Minister of Culture and Innovation Anita Kis-Hegyi.
The antiquities were stolen from the Archaeological Museum of Argos between 1970-1992 and return to our country after a multi-year effort that began in 2008. Ministry of Culture staff, through systematic and documented work, proved that the nine vessels originate from excavations in Argolida. Their return constitutes an important step in addressing a long-standing case of antiquities trafficking, highlighting Greece’s continuous and steadfast effort to protect and return its cultural goods to their place of origin.
The deadline for submitting 2025 income tax returns is extended until May 15, 2026, with a 4% discount right if tax is paid by July 31, 2026. It is reminded that returns are submitted by July 15 (or by July 31 for those participating in legal entities with simple accounting books), while tax can be paid either in full or in 8 monthly installments, with the first by 31.7.2026.
Greece achieved above-OECD average performance in the “Digital Government” Index, demonstrating the evolution in the digital transformation of the public sector. Specifically, Greece ranks 14th among 36 member countries. With this performance, it is ahead of countries such as: Canada, Italy, Japan and the Netherlands. This OECD index reflects progress achieved – among others – through the development of gov.gr, Gov.gr Wallet and the modernization of public digital services.”
