Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos has called on opposition parties to support a bill establishing a new Independent Authority for Market Oversight and Consumer Protection, arguing that shielding vulnerable households from high costs should supersede partisan divides.
Speaking at the third session of Parliament’s Standing Committee on Production and Trade, Mr. Theodorikakos described the proposed authority as a "commonsense reform" modeled on successful Western systems.
"For a society built on cohesion and solidarity, we must take concrete measures to support the people who struggle in their daily lives," Mr. Theodorikakos said.
"When something is self-evidently necessary, there is no reason to disagree simply for political reasons."
The bill creates a unified regulator responsible for market monitoring, price checks, and consumer protection.
It mandates that companies document pricing structures if the ministry identifies unjustified increases.
Mr. Theodorikakos also defended a controversial clause permitting the expansion of commercial activities at the Elefsina Shipyards.
The move is tied to U.S.-backed investment plans for the facility, which is operated by ONEX and supported by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).
"Only one value guides this decision: the national interest," the minister said, seeking to pre-empt criticism from opposition parties Pasok and Syriza regarding transparency and long-term oversight.
The bill is expected to reach the plenary for a vote this week.