“Market transparency benefits consumers and all of us,” Minister of Development, Takis Theodorikakos<\/b>, the new digital product price comparison app \u201cPosoKanei\u201d, which went live yesterday.<\/p>\n
As he explained, the app helps citizens learn about, compare, and choose: \u201cWhen citizens see the prices, they compare and choose. Knowing what they\u2019re doing, they choose the cheapest option, the one that\u2019s best for them, and put competing companies at a disadvantage.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s an extremely useful tool, especially for the more active age groups, so they can make the purchases they want at lower prices\u201d<\/b>, he noted. <\/p>\n
At the same time, he highlighted the decisive role of the Independent Authority for Market Supervision and Consumer Protection<\/b> in the creation of the platform.<\/p>\n
Mr. Theodorikakos also referred to the cap<\/b> 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<\/b>. \u201cNo one else in Europe has done this, and no Greek government has ever done it before,\u201d he said. He also emphasized that the measure has been effective in keeping prices in check. \u201cInflation on food and basic necessities would be three to four points higher if we hadn\u2019t done this,\u201d he said.<\/p>\nFines are being collected as usual<\/h3>\n
Referring to the inspections conducted by the Independent Authority, he noted that \u201cfines are being collected as usual\u201d and highlighted the 3 million euro fine imposed on a multinational company for violating the law.<\/b> As he explained, the Independent Authority was established \u201cto operate independently of the government and political parties, to carry out its work consistently over time, and to protect consumers.\u201d<\/p>\n
As he noted, these measures help address the problem, \u201cwithout anyone claiming that the cost-of-living problem has been solved.\u201d The most crucial thing, he explained, is \u201cwhat we do to bring in jobs and investments and ensure better wages\u2014especially for young people\u2014and lower taxes.\u201d<\/b><\/p>\nThe country nearly hit a wall<\/h3>\n
Responding to related remarks by Alexis Tsipras<\/b> regarding the fight against cartels, Mr. Theodorikakos noted that \u201ceveryone is judged by their actions.\u201d He added that \u201cfor Mr. Tsipras to say now that he\u2019ll 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.\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n
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.<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cBecause 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<\/b>, nothing will come of it. Unfortunately, I don\u2019t see the opposition offering any constructive dialogue, only endless vilification and scandal-mongering<\/b> against the government, which leads nowhere,\u201d he noted, emphasizing that the government will continue to present its work, constantly improve, and stand by the citizens.<\/p>\n