Staikouras: Inflation response required at a European level

The estimate for this year’s inflation will be close to 10% in the new budget, while the inflation forecast for 2023 will be below that level while remaining high, Finance Minister Christos Staikouras told Open TV on Tuesday, commenting on Eurostat inflation figures for Greece.

This slowdown in the rise of inflation was “no grounds to celebrate,” the minister added, stressing the need for measures at a European level.

Commenting on domestic measures to support consumers struggling with rising energy prices, he again ruled out a third Fuel Pass subsidizing vehicle fuels and said that a joint ministerial decision is due to be issued within the week for a heating oil benefit for households, while the online platform will be activated within November.

Staikouras also commented on the rise in private debt as a result of the crises, saying it was an “element of concern,” and stressed the importance of meeting the country’s fiscal targets.