The implementation of the Europe Now program has influenced the increase in the standard of living of citizens and mitigated the negative effects of price growth caused by external shocks at the global level, the Ministry of Economic Development announced.
"By comparing the prices of basic foodstuffs from January last year with the prices from January this year, it can be clearly seen to what extent the purchasing power of citizens would be weakened without an increase in net earnings, through the Europe now program," said the Ministry.
As they said, if the level of earnings in January had remained at the level of December last year, the average salary could buy significantly less food compared to the beginning of last year.
"The record increase of the minimum wage from 250 to 450 euros and the average wage in January from 537 to 686 euros, made it possible for the first time that one average wage can cover the complete minimum consumer basket for a family of four. It should be emphasized that the part of the consumer basket related to food expenses can, for the first time, be completely covered from the minimum wage," said the Ministry.
Therefore, according to their opinion, the increase in wages is the most effective mechanism by which the Government can fight against the global increase in prices in such situations, with the aim of preserving the standard of living of citizens.
"Even some of the most developed countries at this moment are reaching for exactly this kind of measure, increasing the minimum price of work, and thus the disposable income of citizens," the announcement states.
The Ministry of Economic Development, as they said, in order to ensure a better standard of living, in addition to numerous other mechanisms, prepared the Law on Temporary Price Control of Foodstuffs for Citizens, which is under public debate. The proposed law can have effects in the short term in order to maintain the stability of the standard of living.
The Ministry of Finance and Social Welfare proposed changes to the Excise Law for the third time, requesting again that the Assembly enable the Government to reduce the excise duty on fuel by up to 20 percent.
"This government, in just one year of work, has provided the fourth support to pensioners with the lowest incomes, and now it amounts to 3,9 million euros for over 77 thousand of them," the announcement concludes.
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