[ad_1]
In the next few days, the ministerial decision on the heating subsidy is expected to be signed, which this year includes expenses in other forms of fuels in addition to oil, such as natural gas, pellets and firewood.
This was stated, in statements to ANT1 television, by the Minister of Finance, Christos Staikouras, saying at the same time that the extension of the payment of traffic charges is being considered and the decision on the matter will be announced in the coming days. He added that the proposal for the payment of transit fees is evaluated based on the months of use of the vehicle and not a lump sum and for 12 months, regardless of the use of the vehicle.
The minister said that the state will continue to support workers and companies with additional measures in the coming months, but weighing the needs with social justice and a fair distribution of existing funds. Since the state continues to pay its obligations to everyone (eg pensions) normally, while at the same time taking large amounts of support measures, in a period with low income.
He stated that “all the measures that are in force for the month of December will be updated. “You cannot predict what will happen in March-April, as it will depend on the course of the pandemic.” As he pointed out, “1.5 months ago the additional measures for 2021, to help society, were 2,500 million euros, while now they have increased to 7,500 million euros.”
Especially for the “refundable deposit”, he said it will continue next year. More than 400,000 companies have already entered the 4th cycle and large sums have already been paid. In fact, there are many companies that have not been included in the “refundable advance 4”, since either they did not have a reduction in turnover based on the criteria or they opened in 2020. We will try to include them in the 5th cycle, which is scheduled to operate in the first half of January. ». He also pointed out that in a few months, only through the refundable advance, 5.5 billion euros have been delivered to the market, while a sixth round of refundable advance is being considered for the spring, to help catering companies and any other need. .
Mr Staikouras pointed out that none of the measures taken to support businesses and households will be permanent, as required by European law and the agreement of EU leaders. However, he added that when necessary, (for example, in the restoration companies that will remain closed in December) there is already a network of support measures, such as the suspension of contracts, the total coverage of payroll and contributions and the reduction of the rental.
Finally, when asked about the third quarter GDP data published yesterday by ELSTAT, he commented that “Greece performed very well in the first half of the year in terms of growth and therefore had to cover less ground in all which has to do with the recession, while the Greek economy’s dependence on tourism also contributed to the recession percentage. “Imagine if we hadn’t opened tourism as well.”
Source: ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ
