Opening credits to shopping card they will be made by March 3 for those citizens who apply by February 28, government spokesman Yannis Oikonomou said.

During a briefing for political editors, he noted that the purchase card is effective from next month, with a total share value of $600 million, which is due to the emergency taxation of excess revenues that oil refineries have.

Mr. Economou reminded that the assistance will amount to 10% of the amount of purchases of all types of goods in food retail stores, and up to certain limits, which are formed depending on the composition of the household.

Those who choose the digital card will receive 100% of this amount in full. On the contrary, beneficiaries who choose a bank account loan will receive a subsidy with a 20% discount.

As Mr. Economou remarked, with this map:

• A one-member household will receive a monthly assistance of 22 euros.
• Couple without children 32 euros.
• An incomplete family with a dependent child also 32 euros.
• Incomplete family with two dependent children 42 euros.
• Couple with a dependent child, also monthly assistance of 42 euros.
• Couple with two dependent children 52 euros.

Mr. Oikonomou stated that “the issue of accuracy is of more concern to Greek society today than any other, as we are facing the biggest explosion of inflation that we have seen not only in Greece, but also in Europe in the last forty years. Despite this, the latest ELSTAT data show a gradual de-escalation of inflation. It stood at 7.2% in December, well below the European Union average of 9.2%. Obviously we are not stopping our efforts, we are continuing, we are fighting to keep the de-escalation going and the outlook is positive, albeit moderate.”

He further noted that “the government, throughout the imported inflationary crisis, developed a number of measures that supported disposable income, the most important of which concerned electricity bills. I remind you that in January, all consumers will see the continuation of subsidizing their electricity bills, which means absorbing 100% of the increase in social tariffs, 87% for 90% of households and 92% for farmers.

He also referred to the Household Basket, noting that “it resulted in a slight de-escalation and, in any case, price containment for a significant number of goods included in the basket. The success of our initiative is also evidenced by the fact that other countries, such as France, have recently announced that they are considering implementing this measure.”

He also noted that the platform was open to a one-time allowance of 300 euros, which the Public Employment Service (DYPA) must pay to non-subsidized long-term unemployed people who make up the Digital Individual Action Plan.