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

Valentine’s Day, Greek Style: Two couples reflect on love, family and tradition

This year, The Greek Herald decided to speak with two Greek Australian couples from across the nation to ask them how they met.

‘It’s Story Time’ with Sophia Amarandos: A mini dating series on finding love

Sophia Amarandos is on her very own Bridget Jones-esque quest to find love, no matter how many glasses of wine and awkward dinners it takes.

Macquarie University leads the way in Greek Language Certificate awards ceremony

Over 200 people attended the award ceremony of the Certificates of Attainment in Greek Language 2024 that took place at Macquarie University.

Taste of the Aegean: Meet the Greek foodies bringing flavour to Antipodes 2025

This year’s Antipodes Festival is celebrating Greek culture and food with 'Taste of the Aegean,' proudly supported by The Greek Herald.

Inner West Hawks FC kick off 2025 season with memorable launch event

The Inner West Hawks FC officially launched their 2025 season with a vibrant celebration at Club Five Dock RSL on Wednesday, February 12.

You May Also Like

29th Greek Film Festival of Sydney announces its Opening Night film

The 29th Greek Film Festival of Sydney, proudly presented by Metaxa, has announced its Opening Night film for 2024.

Leaders of Greece and France meet to discuss energy crisis, East Med tensions

The leaders of Greece and France met to discuss the current energy crisis in Europe, and increasing tensions with Turkey in the East Med.

Vasili’s Taxidi: Danas Deli Café – Marrickville’s longest running shop

By Vasilis Vasilas Climbing up Illawarra Road, as you approach Marrickville, the first shop situated on the very edge of the suburb is ironically Marrickville’s...