Measures to boost working-class incomes in response to soaring inflation

Question for written answer E-002168/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos (NI)

Ordinary working-class households are despairing in the face of price increases on consumer goods, accompanied by untenable price increases in electricity, transport and housing. In September inflation reached 2.9 %. The following sectors saw annual rates shoot through the roof: housing (5.9 %), health (3.7 %), education (3.5 %) and food (3.2 %).

In view of this:

• 1.What is the Commission's position concerning the calls from trade unions and grassroots organisations for immediate measures to boost working-class incomes, for example through meaningful wage and pension increases, the reintroduction of collective bargaining agreements, seniority-based promotions, reduced and capped energy prices, the abolition of VAT on basic commodities and of unfair special taxes on fuel and energy?
• 2.What is its position concerning the fact that just as before the people paid the price of the EU strategy for the green digital transition and the lavish funding given to business groups through the Recovery Fund and they did so with price increases in electricity, housing and other extortionately expensive basic consumer goods, so today the 'EU's competitiveness' strategy, the Draghi report and the move towards a 'war economy' runs counter to the interests of the people, who will likely be expected to pay for State investments and borrowing through their own resources/taxes, which is tantamount to daylight robbery?
• 3.What is its position concerning the fact that the EU strategy adopted by the current and previous Governments, such as the lifting of trade restrictions and the Energy Stock Exchange, the excessive focus on RES in Greece's energy policy, the support given to business groups through the Recovery Fund, are among the causes of inflation and the energy and basic commodity prices we are seeing and not the 'antidote'?

Submitted: 18.10.2024