The four measures announced by Prime Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis as an initial response to the ongoing crisis, effective from 1 April, mark the start of a sustained support effort rather than a final intervention. The government has pledged to use all available budgetary resources to ensure that no citizen, business, or region is left unprotected.

Speaking at a forum in Lamia, the Minister of Economy and Finance emphasized, “We have not exhausted our fiscal possibilities because there must be safeguards for the future. We can say with confidence that Greece can withstand the current circumstances.”

Key Support Measures

1. Digital Fuel Card – Provides an estimated average benefit of €0.36 per liter, covering roughly three-quarters of vehicle owners based on average consumption.
2. Diesel Subsidy – A direct reduction of €0.20 per liter at the pump to ease transport costs and limit price pressures on goods and services.
3. Agricultural Support – A 15% subsidy on fertilizer purchases to contain production costs and curb food price increases.
4. Ferry Company Compensation – Measures to stabilize ticket prices and protect insular communities, promoting fairness and regional cohesion.

The minister highlighted that Greece’s current capacity to support society stems from years of strong fiscal policy, increased investment, reduced unemployment, and systematic efforts to make the economy more resilient, outward-looking, and modern.

Economic Resilience and Growth

Since 2019, the government has navigated multiple crises, including the pandemic, the 2022 energy crisis, inflation, and geopolitical tensions. Despite these challenges, Greece has strengthened its economy and social structures, achieving:

• GDP Growth – 37% from 2019 to 2025, surpassing the European average of 31%.
• Unemployment Reduction – From 18% in 2019 to below 8% in 2025, the lowest in 18 years.
• Household Income Increase – Real per capita disposable income up 14.3% from 2019 to 2024, more than double the EU average.
• Poverty Reduction – Absolute poverty fell by 6.6 percentage points, from 17.9% in 2019 to 11.3% in 2025.
• Per Capita Consumption – Rose from 78% of the European average in 2019 to 81% in 2024.

Permanent Aid Measures

• Minimum wage increased to €920 from 1 April 2026, with a target of €950 in 2027.
• Around 1.5 million pensioners receive an annual boost of €250; 950,000 households benefit from rent rebates.
• ENFIA property tax reduced by 50% this year, set to reach 100% next year in thousands of settlements.
• ATM withdrawal fees abolished and third-party provider charges capped.
• Continued reductions in insurance contributions and targeted support for freelancers, farmers, and island regions.

These measures form part of a broader fiscal strategy combining income growth, tax cuts, and reduced social contributions, supported by ongoing tax reform and the fight against tax evasion.

Regional Development: Central Greece

The minister emphasized that national growth relies on strong regions. In Central Greece, development is organized around three pillars:

1. Infrastructure and Transport – Over 540 projects with a €4.2 billion budget through 2030, improving roads, ports, and disaster resilience.
2. Energy Transition and Green Growth – Investments in renewable energy and natural gas networks (€88.1 million by 2036) to reduce costs and boost competitiveness.
3. Integrated Development and Social Programs – Support for SMEs, innovation, agriculture, and vulnerable groups to ensure inclusive growth.

Employment in Central Greece has improved, with unemployment dropping from 17.2% in 2019 to 8.5% in 2025, below the national average.

Governance and Crisis Response

Pierrakakis stressed that Greece is judged not by the crises it faces, but by how it responds. The government is committed to acting decisively, combining vision, realism, and resilience to create a stronger, fairer, and more modern Greece that moves forward with confidence.