The survey, which polled 2,675 consumers, underscores the financial strain felt across Greece, with 85% of participants expressing pessimism about the future, expecting the situation to worsen.

Demographics and key findings

The survey’s demographic breakdown included 51% male respondents, 48.3% female, and 0.1% identifying as other. Most respondents (62.1%) were between 45 and 64 years old, with 13% aged 65 and over.

The most significant concern for Greek households remains food prices, with 97.2% of respondents citing noticeable price increases in this category. Energy costs followed closely behind. As a result, 96% of respondents reported changing their shopping habits, with the majority buying less (69.7%), opting for cheaper products (71.5%), and relying on discounts and special offers (77%). Additionally, 81.4% said they have cut back on entertainment spending.

Government measures fall short

The survey revealed widespread dissatisfaction with the government’s efforts to address inflation. Nearly 80% of respondents said they were “not at all satisfied” with current measures, while 13.8% said they were “not satisfied.”

When asked what actions could help alleviate the situation, 87.5% of respondents called for stronger price controls, while 80.3% supported increasing wages and pensions. Reducing taxes was favoured by 76.7%. Furthermore, an overwhelming 87.3% wanted the government to regulate the prices of basic goods, and 84% called for a reduction in VAT.

Impact on quality of life and growing pessimism

The survey highlighted the severe impact of rising costs on quality of life, with 92.7% of participants reporting that their lives have been “negatively” or “very negatively” affected. Many have responded by participating in social or political actions against rising prices, with 62.7% stating they have taken part in such activities.

Looking ahead, Greek consumers remain deeply pessimistic. When asked about the outlook for the next 12 months, 85.4% predicted that prices will continue to rise, while only 6.4% believed they would remain stable. In terms of personal finances, 52.3% expect their economic situation to worsen, while only 5.5% anticipate an improvement.

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