Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis announced that, for the first time since 2011, the number of unemployed people in Greece has fallen below 900,000. He highlighted an increase in white-collar employment in the private sector for April 2024, with a positive balance based on ERGANI data. Comparing April data year-over-year, there were 9,273 more jobs created. Since 2019, unemployment has decreased by almost 8.4 percentage points, reaching its lowest level in 15 years. Marinakis noted significant declines in unemployment among men, women, and young people, with a 20-point reduction over the past five years.

Economic and Employment Update

Mr. Marinakis highlighted that, according to ELSTAT data, Greece is gradually moving away from a low-wage market, with a significant increase in the share of workers receiving better wages. Until 2019, the most populous wage category was under 700 euros. Now, the most populous category ranges between 1,000 and 3,000 euros. From 2019 to 2023, the proportion of low-wage workers decreased to 18.1%, and nearly 288,000 workers moved to higher income brackets.

The government spokesperson stressed the tangible results of investments, employment programs, and favorable conditions for new businesses, attributing these to the government’s economic policies and digital tools. He noted that over 310,000 people who were unemployed until 2019 have found better-paying jobs.

He outlined the government’s goals for the next four years: to reduce the unemployment rate to below the EU average and to increase the minimum wage to 950 euros and the average wage to 1,500 euros.

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Domestic Violence

Mr. Marinakis addressed the increase in Domestic Violence Offices from 18 to 63 across every county by the end of the month, as announced by the Minister of Citizen Protection, Michalis Chrysochoidis. Each county will have a “safe house” for domestic violence victims. Annually, 20,000 women seek shelter. The “panic button” app will be extended nationwide for all adult domestic violence victims.

Marinakis stressed the importance of protecting domestic violence victims, encouraging them to reach out to authorities for help.

Postal Voting

Also discussed was the smooth process of distributing electoral materials to Greeks voting by mail in the upcoming European elections. Over 192,000 of the 202,515 registered voters have received their voting materials, with over 40,000 having already sent back their sealed ballots. The deadlines for sending ballots are May 28 for Greeks abroad and June 3 for residents of Greece, with a special provision for domestic voters to return ballots via courier companies until June 4.

Flood Protection

Finally, Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance, Nikos Papathanasis, announced the inclusion of the “Construction of New Flood Protection Works” action in the ESPA, with a total budget of 181 million euros, of which 124 million euros is co-financed. The action will implement flood protection projects, including stream and riverbed interventions, to prevent and address flooding and natural disasters in line with Flood Risk Management Plans.

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Defense Modernization

The draft law of the Ministry of National Defense, titled “Establishment of a Hellenic Center for Defense Innovation, modernization of the institutional framework of the Supreme Military Educational Institutions, establishment of a Joint Informatics Corps in the Armed Forces and other provisions,” was passed. Marinakis emphasized that modernizing the Armed Forces is crucial for strengthening the country’s defense capabilities.

Agricultural Electricity Tariff

Marinakis announced that rural electricity connection holders could apply for the GAIA tariff, providing access to low electricity prices for ten years. This initiative, alongside the return of the Special Consumption Tax on agricultural oil, demonstrates the government’s support for the agricultural sector.

Interest Rates on Overdue Debts

A provision has been introduced to freeze interest rates for one year on overdue debts of natural and legal persons to the tax administration. This measure aims to prevent excessive burdens on taxpayers following the expiration of the previous regulation on March 31, 2024.

Crackdown on Corruption

A criminal organization involving tax officials in Chalkida, who were extorting businessmen, was dismantled. Additionally, a ring of veterinarians in Macedonia involved in fraudulent activities was also broken up. Marinakis stressed the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards illegal acts to protect honest public officials and industry workers.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is scheduled to address Parliament on May 24, 2024, regarding measures to address economic accuracy. He will also attend an event on May 25 to mark Zagori’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.