Government to Address Bank Fees and Taxation During Upcoming Budget Debate
This week, a significant debate is scheduled in Parliament concerning the national budget, with important announcements expected regarding banks, taxation, banking charges, and deposit fees. Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis confirmed these developments during a television interview with Open TV on Friday. He emphasized the critical nature of the upcoming discussions, suggesting that they would provide clarity on banking issues amidst the budget deliberations.
Marinakis also commented on the recently passed bill concerning the minimum wage. He highlighted that the government had made substantial moves by adopting a European directive intended to address existing inequalities. Notably, this directive equates the wages of public sector employees with those in the private sector, correcting a previous injustice where public workers were not included in increased minimum wage measures.
Additionally, the new legislation has introduced a safety net for the private sector, explicitly prohibiting the reduction of the minimum wage. This is a move designed to protect workers' earnings amid economic fluctuations. Furthermore, businesses have been provided with valuable opportunities under this new directive, affording them some flexibility in managing their operations.
Marinakis clarified that the increase in minimum wage will not be based on general inflation figures, but rather on the inflation experiences of the most vulnerable segments of the population—specifically the 20% who are hardest hit by economic challenges. This approach aims to ensure that the wage adjustments are more equitable and attuned to the real financial struggles faced by those in need.
As these discussions unfold in Parliament, the public remains keenly interested in how these measures will shape the banking landscape and affect their daily lives.
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