The Minister of Finance Kyriakos Pierrakakis announced that the Greek state will waive its appeals concerning the compensation for the families of the victims in Mati and Mandra.

Speaking on the central news bulletin of ANT1, Pierrakakis revealed that with a provision to be introduced in the next bill in Parliament, the Greek state will completely waive the legal means regarding moral damage and psychological distress in the appeals concerning the first-instance decisions for Mati and Mandra. “It’s the least we can do.”

The provision will also apply to the tragedy in Tempi. This regulation comes after backlash over the state’s stance against the families of the victims.

The government is listening to and understands the problems of citizens, and will respond specifically and with action. Regarding uniformed personnel, Pierrakakis mentioned that pay raises have already been announced, and as part of the broader discussion on Defense in Europe, funds will be allocated to the personnel, with announcements to be made tomorrow by the Ministry of Defense.

When asked if the salary increases are enough to tackle the rising cost of living, particularly for food, Pierrakakis pointed out that we must consider where the minimum wage started from. “We understand that support is needed,” he said. “My generation experienced the crisis firsthand, and if there is one motto it should be, it is ‘never again’. Things are progressing step by step.”

Regarding the possibility of reinstating the 13th and 14th salaries, Pierrakakis said: “I am an advocate for the view that politicians must tell the truth. This would cost 8 billion. That money doesn’t exist. Even if it did, would it be right to direct it this way? My answer is no. What would we say to the young person on the minimum wage, who’s renting and wants to start a family? We need to direct as much as possible to as many as possible.”

When asked about the out-of-court settlement regulation and those who were left out, and whether there will be another chance for settlement, Pierrakakis mentioned that in the coming days, a bill will be introduced to Parliament that will provide the opportunity to include the middle class as a whole.