Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis began the briefing to political editors by discussing the implementation of price reductions on essential consumer goods, which are set to begin on supermarket shelves.

“By the end of October, around 120 product codes with reduced prices will be available, marking the start of this initiative. Over time, more than 600 product codes from various suppliers will participate. Price reductions for these first 120 products will range from 6% to 15%, and supermarket chains have already informed the General Secretariat of Commerce about the relevant product lists.

The government continues to boost citizens’ disposable income both directly — having already increased the minimum wage from 650 to 830 euros and the average wage from 1,046 to 1,300 euros, with a goal of reaching 950 and 1,500 euros respectively by the end of the term — and indirectly by reducing more than 60 tax rates to address imported inflation with permanent measures,” he emphasized.

He also listed emergency measures like the market pass, the household basket initiative, and permanent price reductions, which complement the government’s efforts to tackle the impact of imported inflation on product prices. He noted that the government fights daily against profiteering through regular inspections and fines in cases of violations by the General Directorate for Market Surveillance (DIMEA). “All our efforts are focused on this goal, and we will use every tool and initiative at both the national and European levels to achieve it for the benefit of consumers.”

Marinakis also mentioned that today the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Christos Staikouras, visited the Prosecutor of the Supreme Court, Georgia Adilini, to discuss the safety of railway transport. “As the Minister stated, he went to the Prosecutor’s office to be informed about the progress of two criminal complaints submitted in April 2024 and to report on a third complaint filed last week regarding concerning incidents in the Greek railway system.”

He further noted that today marks the completion of the first phase of discussions initiated by Labor Minister Niki Kerameus “with national social partners for the incorporation of the European directive on adequate minimum wages and the strengthening of collective bargaining.” He emphasized that “adjustment only means an increase. The directive explicitly states that there can be no reduction of the minimum wage. The 950 euros will be the base in 2027. What we are discussing within the framework of the European directive is how and by how much the minimum wage will increase after 2027.”

He added, “In its report, the scientific committee recommends the use of a mathematical formula, as is the case in eight other EU countries, to determine the minimum wage. According to the committee’s recommendation, as market prices and the productivity of the Greek economy increase, the minimum wage will also rise.”

Marinakis then discussed two new options for stadium entry, now available through the Gov.gr Wallet. “Season ticket holders for football and basketball games who have digitally verified and added their season ticket to their digital wallet can now easily transfer it to a person of their choice. Additionally, there is an option to change the accompanying adult for a minor who holds a season ticket.”

He concluded his introduction by noting that the Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, will speak at an event organized by the Ministry of Development on Monday, October 21, at 6:30 PM, on the topic of “Productive Transformation, Strengthening Investments and Industry, for Growth and New Jobs Across Greece,” at the National Gallery.

On Wednesday, October 23, Kyriakos Mitsotakis will address the plenary session of Parliament during a discussion under article 142A of the Parliament’s regulations, focusing on this year’s fire prevention efforts, the government’s initiatives to support those affected, restore infrastructure, and further strengthen Civil Protection.