As Black Friday approaches, the Greek government is taking a hard line against deceptive pricing practices and potential consumer fraud.
Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos revealed that authorities are investigating 2,000 potential legal violations among 10,000 product codes scrutinized ahead of the major shopping event.
"We stand with society; no one is above scrutiny," said Mr. Theodorikakos, emphasizing the government's commitment to protecting consumers.
He urged citizens to report any suspicious activity to aid targeted inspections.
The crackdown extends beyond price manipulation. Authorities are also investigating an influencer accused of promoting non-compliant products, signaling a broader effort to ensure transparency and accountability in the marketplace.
Mr. Theodorikakos highlighted recent measures to curb profiteering, including a regulation that prevents supermarkets and suppliers from exceeding profit margins recorded in December 2021. He noted that increased fines, now six times higher than before, have resulted in price reductions across hundreds of product categories.
Investigations are underway targeting 26 major companies, including supermarkets, multinational corporations, and food manufacturers, with results expected soon.
The minister warned businesses against artificially inflating prices before offering Black Friday discounts, emphasizing that violations will incur severe penalties.
Beyond tackling price gouging, Mr. Theodorikakos underscored the importance of sustainable growth in combating inflation and highlighted the government's success in reducing unemployment.
"The right to work is fundamental, and our policies are driving significant progress," he said.
With this proactive approach, the Greek government aims to ensure a fair and transparent Black Friday shopping experience, sending a clear message that deceptive practices will not be tolerated.