In their question, the MPs argue that instead of taking specific and effective support measures to relieve the pressure on households and small and medium-sized businesses, the government is proceeding with an €8m communication campaign aimed at informing consumers.

They note that, by decision of the Ministry of Development, the beneficiary of the operation entitled ‘Ministry of Development advertising campaign within the framework of consumer protection measures aimed at combating high prices and inflation’ has been changed. The Independent Market Surveillance and Consumer Protection Authority has been designated as the new beneficiary.

The main opposition MPs ask the Minister of Development a series of questions, seeking clarification on the evaluation of the first distinct phase of the campaign, which had a budget of €3,718,760.

They also request the presentation of the effectiveness indicators set for evaluating the campaign, as well as an assessment of the extent to which they have been achieved to date.

At the same time, they ask whether alternative policy interventions were examined, such as strengthening inspection mechanisms, staffing the competent services, developing digital tools to monitor market prices and increasing the frequency of inspections in critical sectors of the economy.

The question in detail

To the Minister of Development

Subject: Public expenditure of more than €8m by the Ministry of Development on a communication campaign to inform consumers about high prices and inflation

By decision no 26077/30-03-2026 of the Ministry of Development (ADA: 9ΙΒΝ46ΝΛΣΞ-ΑΣ1), the beneficiary of the operation ‘Ministry of Development advertising campaign within the framework of consumer protection measures aimed at combating high prices and inflation’ (MIS 5225216) was changed, with the Independent Market Surveillance and Consumer Protection Authority designated as the new beneficiary and the total estimated budget set at €8,184,000.

The first distinct phase of the operation has already been approved and is being implemented, with the objective of communication promotion through national and regional television media, with a budget of €3,718,760, including VAT, according to ADA 9ΧΦΡ46ΝΛΣΞ-ΦΒ4/11-02-2025.

At the same time, in the context of the institutional establishment of the Independent Market Surveillance and Consumer Protection Authority, a joint ministerial decision (ADA: 946246ΝΛΣΞ-ΧΝΨ) has been issued setting the salaries of the governor and other administrative bodies at the usual high levels for corresponding positions of responsibility.

At the same time, according to press releases by collective workers’ bodies, and specifically the Independent Workers’ Movement on 11 June 2026, issues have been recorded concerning the operational adequacy, infrastructure and organisational integration of the new authority.

Because:

The MIS 5225216 operation concerns significant public expenditure of €8,184,000, as part of consumer information actions aimed at addressing high prices and inflation.

The effectiveness of public communication interventions must be documented through measurable performance indicators.

The parallel recording of infrastructure and operational problems in the competent services raises questions about the prioritisation of public resources.

The proper functioning of the independent authority requires its full organisational, institutional and logistical set-up.

The competent minister is asked:

What is the evaluation of the first distinct phase, worth €3,718,760, and what quantitative and qualitative results have emerged to date?

What effectiveness indicators have been set for evaluating the campaign and what is the current assessment of the extent to which they have been achieved?

Has an evaluation been carried out comparing alternative interventions, such as strengthening inspection mechanisms, staffing services, digital tools for monitoring market prices and increased inspections in critical sectors, with the communication campaign?

At what stage is the publication of the authority’s organisation, in accordance with Law 5255/2025, and what is the timetable for its completion?

When will the legally required Office of the State Legal Council be established and, until then, how are the authority’s decisions and actions legally safeguarded?

Has there been a recent recording of building infrastructure, hygiene and safety needs at the facilities of the ministry and the authority’s services?

What maintenance or upgrade works have been planned or implemented regarding sanitary facilities, water supply and drinking water systems, storage and administrative areas, and staff working conditions?

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