# Greece inflation and tax policy debate > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/greece-inflation-and-tax-policy-debate > Updated: 2026-08-04T11:55:33.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. In July 2026, Eurostat data showed Greece leading the EU in housing energy upgrades, yet inflation remained above the Eurozone average at 4.4% due to a sharp rise in energy prices after a Middle‑East conflict. Energy costs now take a larger share of household budgets, prompting the Mitsotakis government to tout a 41% minimum‑wage increase, AI‑driven public‑service reforms, and plans to ease the high Participation Tax Rate that discourages new workers. By early August, a Pulse RC survey for the Athens Chamber of Commerce revealed that 83% of Greeks support cutting VAT on basic goods and reducing the special consumption tax on fuel as a way to curb inflation. The poll indicated strong public backing for targeted tax relief, which officials see as a potential tool to boost purchasing power and stimulate the market. Together, the snapshots trace a shift from reporting high inflation and government reform promises to capturing growing public demand for tax cuts aimed at easing the cost‑of‑living pressure. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-04: Greek Attica residents back VAT and fuel tax cuts A July survey of 832 Attica voters shows 83% support cutting VAT on basics and fuel excise taxes, while 61% are pessimistic about the economy; the new price‑compare app receives mixed reviews. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greek-public-backs-vat-cut-on-basics-and-fuel-tax-reduction ### 2026-07-15: Greece battles high inflation, soaring energy costs and seeks third term Greece leads EU housing energy upgrades, faces inflation above 4% and rising energy bills, while PM Mitsotakis pushes for a third term and calls for tax‑benefit reforms. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-trails-eu-in-home-energy-upgrades-households-face-high-energy-bills --- Cite as: Greece inflation and tax policy debate. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/greece-inflation-and-tax-policy-debate