The contentious balance sheet of the “household basket” set up in Greek supermarkets is known as the “anti-inflation basket.”

The goal of merchants with this initiative, which was started approximately two months ago, is to cut the cost of essentials. Savings are welcomed by the administration, while fake promotions are criticized by the opposition.

Circa an Athens, Greece, supermarket in 2004. AFP/FAEZ NURELDINE

The French government is collaborating with major retailers to develop a “anti-inflation basket” of about twenty consumer goods that shops would commit to selling at the lowest feasible price. Pasta, grains, eggs, and fresh goods like butter are a few among them. but also baby and adult hygiene items. This will apply to private label goods, albeit the goods can differ depending on the brands.

Currently, Olivia Gregoire, the Minister Delegate in charge of consumption, is researching this area. In Greece, the “home basket” was introduced two months ago, so the concept is not wholly novel. The early parliamentary elections planned for the spring may be significantly impacted by the country’s high inflation rate of above 12%. Additionally, this basket, which is available in some stores, has been established by the Conservative administration and includes less priced goods.

Employees criticized fraudulent promotions

The concept is straightforward: stores that choose to participate in the operation reduce the price of numerous essential commodities every week. Special labeling is used on the shelves to identify these goods, which number in the hundreds. After two months of operation, the government expresses its delight and forecasts that if a consumer shops at the same store every week for a year, he or she will save roughly 80 euros per month.

The opposition, however, disagrees with this judgment. On the one hand, because personnel at these supermarkets complained about an increase in merchandise immediately before the basket’s launch. On the other hand, because the items in question are frequently branded and hence already more expensive than the competition.

Finally, with inflation rushing from month to month, it is impossible to determine the true drop in costs. According to a recent study, the major issue of Greeks is the expense of living. When they were hungry, nearly 18% of them were compelled to forego a meal.