The government has provided measures protecting weaker economic classes and guaranteeing a decent standard of living for every Greek citizen, a Finance ministry announcement said on Friday "in response to misleading references in the media the last few days."

It has also taken steps to identify strategic nonpayers, who despite being able to pay their debts but "use nefarious means" to avoid them, the announcement said.

The steps taken "in response to misleading references in the media the last few days that seek to create a climate of insecurity for the institutional framework created by the government," will also protect a family's main home from auction for outstanding debts.

"All citizens and companies can arrange to pay all of their debts to banks, tax service, insurance funds and other private entities" through the government's institutional framework, it said. Its regulations provide safety checks that protect debtors from forced measures like confiscation of accounts, payment orders, and auctions. "The first (main) home, especially, is protected from auctions," it noted.

The ministry said that the current legal framework and regulations to protect citizens can be accessed at the electronic address www.keyd.gov.gr.

A national network of 17 cities from Thessaloniki to Iraklio on Crete has been set up by the Cabinet Council Managing Public Debt to provide free information about the law and options offered to repay debts, as well as to resolve any issues.