Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Security Kostas Karagounis spoke to ERT about the €250 allowance for pensioners and people with disabilities, as well as changes affecting businesses and workers with ERGANI II.

He initially stressed that the government is modernizing legislation on workplace health and safety.
“We are actively participating in awareness and information campaigns as part of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work’s pan-European campaign. We are holding numerous seminars, especially on transitioning health and safety into the digital era. We are implementing the Integrated Information System ‘Iridanos,’ through which important procedures will be digitized and a digital repository of legislation and educational materials will be created, emphasizing prevention,” he said.

Regarding the €250 allowance that will be deposited every November, Karagounis stated it is a permanent support measure and will be provided annually. He also highlighted that in 2024, there were 93,000 more jobs, generating about €600 million in additional revenue for the state budget. More jobs mean significantly more returns for the state and social insurance funds. The money will be credited to the accounts of 1.44 million citizens, with a total cost of €360 million.

When asked why the government is offering bonuses rather than reinstating a 13th salary, Karagounis pointed out that it’s important to deliver on promises.
“In the past, other governments promised things they couldn’t deliver, and instead they cut salaries and pensions. The fiscal surplus, which remains after fulfilling all state obligations, this year was 1.3%. We fully allocated it back to society,” he said.

Karagounis also commented on the transmission of the Tempi train accident case file to Parliament, noting,
“Justice has the primary role. Right now, any investigation involving political figures or factual elements is in the hands of the judiciary and the competent judge.”

Regarding ERGANI II, he noted that it is a very important development, effectively an evolution of ERGANI I. It has been in trial operation since Thursday, April 10. The goal is to upgrade and simplify the functions of the existing ERGANI I system. The new system will record workers’ employment status, monitoring all types of employment relationships and their changes.

The obligation to submit forms E4 (annual staff list) and E9 (part-time employment) will be abolished. There will even be a mobile app, the Ergani App, allowing hiring to take place via mobile phone. Employees will be able to submit and process any employment change in real time, thereby protecting their rights (such as overtime claims).
Employers will also benefit from a major reduction in administrative burden. Identity verification will be automated, ensuring that the state does not lose revenue.