Rising inflation taking larger chunk out of Greek retirees’ pensions

·

Pensioners in Greece are feeling the hit of the rising global inflation and are struggling to keep up with the increasing cost of living including the energy prices taking a toll on households. 

Greek pensioner, Christos Vassilopoulos spoke to international media about his rising monthly bills and said that the totals are huge. 

“My pension has not changed. Things are becoming ever more expensive. What can be done? Prices are going up like crazy.” the pensioner said. 

“You go to the market and find a product that sells for, say, three euros. The next day, the same thing costs six euros already.”

An elderly woman buys vegetables at a street market in Athens, Greece. Photo by Lefteris Partsalis/Xinhua

In 2023, the government will raise pensions by up to 7% for the first time in 12 years but for Vassilopoulos it is not enough to mitigate the financial damage that this will do to his and many others’ household bills. 

The Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) reports that in September, Greece’s inflation rate was 12 percent. Natural gas prices increased by 332 percent in the same month compared to the same time in 2021, while heating oil and electricity prices increased by 65.1 and 30.5 percent, respectively.

In early October, the country’s pensioners’ associations staged a protest in the capital, demanding an increase in the minimum pension from 384 euros to 650 euros per month.

“How can a family live on 400 euros?” said another pensioner, Evgenia. 

Source: English.news.cn

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Meet TIFANY: The Greek Australian artist making waves in RnB

Are you looking for your new favourite Greek artist who combines unique sounds of RnB, house and EDM music?

Heirs of a Greek inheritance: Most common problems to deal with

There are many people of Greek descent all over the world whose parents or other close relatives had properties in Greece.

Niki Louca shares her family favourite Indokaridopita (coconut cake) recipe

It is a cake her aunty Panayiota used to make often in years gone by, and one she hasn’t had for a long time.

Naz Vardar to give Melbourne seminar on shaping Vlach identity

The focus lies on the story of a Vlach priest navigating his way within the local Vlach community in Manastir (Bitola).

Out from the White Tower’s shadow: A subversive guide to Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki isn’t trying to impress you, and that’s exactly why it does. Its people carry the kind of warmth that isn’t put on for tourists.

You May Also Like

TGH EXCLUSIVE: When George met Ranmeet…how difficult is a cross-cultural marriage in multicultural Australia?

When George Kantzios and Ranmeet Jassal decided they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together, they agreed that no external factors should...

Greek Museum of Adelaide to honour Greek Revolution bicentenary with upcoming exhibitions

On the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the Greek War of Independence the Greek Museum of Adelaide is launching two exhibitions.

TGH Exclusive: Evy Poumpouras reveals life-changing experiences as former Secret Service agent in new book

The Greek Herald spoke exclusively with Evy following the release of her new book, Becoming Bulletproof, on 21 April 2020.