“Market transparency benefits consumers and all of us,” Minister of Development, Takis Theodorikakos, the new digital product price comparison app “PosoKanei”, which went live yesterday.
As he explained, the app helps citizens learn about, compare, and choose: “When citizens see the prices, they compare and choose. Knowing what they’re doing, they choose the cheapest option, the one that’s best for them, and put competing companies at a disadvantage.”
“It’s an extremely useful tool, especially for the more active age groups, so they can make the purchases they want at lower prices”, he noted.
At the same time, he highlighted the decisive role of the Independent Authority for Market Supervision and Consumer Protection in the creation of the platform.
Mr. Theodorikakos also referred to the cap on profit margins, emphasizing that this is an emergency measure imposed by the government due to inflationary pressures stemming from the war in the Middle East. “No one else in Europe has done this, and no Greek government has ever done it before,” he said. He also emphasized that the measure has been effective in keeping prices in check. “Inflation on food and basic necessities would be three to four points higher if we hadn’t done this,” he said.
Fines are being collected as usual
Referring to the inspections conducted by the Independent Authority, he noted that “fines are being collected as usual” and highlighted the 3 million euro fine imposed on a multinational company for violating the law. As he explained, the Independent Authority was established “to operate independently of the government and political parties, to carry out its work consistently over time, and to protect consumers.”
As he noted, these measures help address the problem, “without anyone claiming that the cost-of-living problem has been solved.” The most crucial thing, he explained, is “what we do to bring in jobs and investments and ensure better wages—especially for young people—and lower taxes.”
The country nearly hit a wall
Responding to related remarks by Alexis Tsipras regarding the fight against cartels, Mr. Theodorikakos noted that “everyone is judged by their actions.” He added that “for Mr. Tsipras to say now that he’ll pass a law overnight and abolish cartels, is about as credible as his claim that he tore up the memoranda in 2015, which nearly drove the country into a wall.”
The Minister of Development called for seriousness and reasoned argument in the public debate, warning of the possibility of a prolonged period of toxic confrontation.
“Because this process will take a long time, we must all be very serious and present well-reasoned arguments. Because if we spend a year engaged in a divisive, toxic confrontation, nothing will come of it. Unfortunately, I don’t see the opposition offering any constructive dialogue, only endless vilification and scandal-mongering against the government, which leads nowhere,” he noted, emphasizing that the government will continue to present its work, constantly improve, and stand by the citizens.
