“Greek society is suffering as a result of the crises caused by the ongoing war in Ukraine and, as long as the chaotic upheaval on the international scene continues, the aim is to preserve stability and security in a chaotic environment,” government spokesperson Yiannis Economou said on Monday during a press briefing.
He said the government was taking both economic and legislative measures because it was aware that the repercussions left no one untouched, and that it was striving to support everyone according to their needs “with composure and seriousness as an ally.”
Economou stressed that every available tool was being used and new possibilities were being created and there was optimism that “we will succeed in this crisis as well. As long as we stay focused on the goal and are united. Unity and complementarity are the way out of problems during critical times.”
He stressed that the Russian invasion of Ukraine had serious economic and social repercussions throughout the world and especially in Europe: “Inflation has already climbed to its highest in decades, prices are levelling household incomes and growth rates are under very strong pressure,” he said.
He added, however, that the government was taking action on both a national and a European level to reduce the impact of the crisis, which more greatly affected the weakest sections of society, while he referred in detail to the measures taken at a national level since September, with the disbursement of more than 4.0 billion euros (including 1.2 billion euros budgeted in April).
“Measures to support the primary sector, the farmers and stockbreeders, are a priority as we must ensure we are protected and prepared against the food supply repercussions of a prolonged turmoil,” he said.
Economou announced that emergency aid amounting to 200 euros will be handed out to the less financially secure households on April 20 and 21.
He also added that the platform for fuel subsidies will be opened within the week so that citizens can use it.
Referring to the French elections, Economou said that France is a large and historic country and defends European values, is an ally of Greece with clear positions and that relations between French President Emmanuel Macron and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis are marked by common views and joint initiatives, such as that for the strategic autonomy of Europe.
“We appreciate the fact that the French people ensured Macron’s lead and now the dilemma in the second round will be existential. The French must clearly stand on the side of freedom and democracy,” Economou underlined.
SOURCE; AMNA
