Economic Statistics - unemployment, inflation, etc..

Inflation

The CPI figure for May 2012 is 1.9%, with core inflation 1.1%.
Inflation is the least of our worries at the moment, despite fuel price rises over the winter. The CPI for December 2011 was 2.4% while 2010 was 3%. The CPI ended 2009 at 0.9%, 2008 at 1.4% and 2007 with 4.2%. Latest INE data pdf, Annual data for 2009.
In 2006 the CPI was 2.7% and in 2005, 3.7%. A new base came into effect for the 2007 statistics. This includes surveys from more districts. The INE now publishes the CPI mid-month, but also a Harmonised CPI, using data which goes towards creating an EU figure. The 'advanced' HCPI figure is usually published on the last day of the month.
Annual price hikes Every January certain services, mostly government controlled, see rises. For example, utilities (water, gas, electricity), phone line rental, public transport (rail, road tolls). Some have risen more than inflation. But the minimum wage and pensions also follow suit, so the poorest are theoretically no worse off, although this year a headline rise in pensions is more than covered by a rise in taxation. The 2010 minimum wage is 674€ per month. In 2007 it was €570.60.