A stormy reaction from small and medium-sized traders and professionals was caused by a sudden amendment of the Ministry of Development, allowing work to begin next Sunday, November 6th. commercial stores throughout Greece from 11:00 to 20:00. At the same time, from the explanatory note accompanying the amendment, it follows that the government is preparing to reopen the issue of Sunday opening of shops, since this is essentially a transitional regulation “before the introduction of new rules for the optional work of shops on Sundays, coordinate with all interested parties.”

Recall that stores could work on the first Sunday of November, while the institution of intermediate discounts was in effect. However, with Law 4965/2022, the institution of intermediate discounts, which were carried out on the first May 15 and November, was abolished, and therefore everyone expected that no special regime would be introduced this year on the first Sunday of November. However, it is said that the fact that on November 9, due to the general strike, a significant reduction in trade in the industry is expected to play a decisive role in this decision.

In a joint statement released yesterday by the Hellenic Confederation of Trade and Enterprise (ESEE) and the General Confederation of Professional Craftsmen of Greece (GSEVEE), they speak of an “unacceptable, sudden, belated and completely unjustified amendment” and call on the Minister of Development to withdraw it immediately. They characterize the actions of the ministry as arbitrary, and regulation without any grounds and legal grounds. “Obviously, this government intervention creates an unfair competitive advantage in favor of several large enterprises that have sought this development, because they have the financial ability, on the one hand, to work next Sunday, and on the other hand, to advertise directly in the consumer public that they will be open. It is characteristic that several promotions of large retail chains by November 6 started already today (i.e. they mean yesterday), even before the amendment in question was adopted by parliament,” the ESEE-GSEVEE report emphasizes. “In addition , this amendment opens a dangerous “back door” to the agreed Sunday operation of commercial stores, which can be “regulated” by sudden decisions of the relevant development minister, even if they do not reflect the will of the vast majority of commercial enterprises and those working in them,” they add.