Greece’s opposition parties have fiercely criticized Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and his government’s recent announcement of a €1 billion aid package, calling it “charity used to buy political support.”
This criticism comes after Mitsotakis, leader of the conservative New Democracy party, revealed new financial relief measures targeting low-income pensioners, renters, and public social services, citing the country’s strong fiscal performance in 2024. According to Eurostat, Greece achieved a 1.3% budget surplus last year, reversing a 1.4% deficit from 2023.
Highlights of the Government’s Relief Package:
- Renters will receive one month’s rent subsidy annually each November to help mitigate the ongoing housing crisis.
- Pensioners and individuals with disabilities will receive a one-time €250 grant at the end of November.
- €500 million will be invested in public infrastructure and social service projects under the Public Investment Program.
- Additional programs will support young couples in purchasing homes.
Despite the positive economic indicators, opposition parties including Syriza, PASOK, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), and others, accused the government of short-term populism and lacking strategic vision.
Syriza MP Katerina Notopoulou called the initiative a desperate move for political survival, while PASOK emphasized the need for systemic reform in housing and social welfare.
Other critics described the government’s plan as a “spectacle” aimed at public manipulation, while also accusing the administration of favoring oligarchs.
Mitsotakis Eyes Third Term
Amid the debate, Mitsotakis confirmed his intention to run for a third term as Prime Minister, citing the economic turnaround as the foundation for continued governance.
“As long as the economy is stable and growing, and our credit rating improves despite global trends, citizens can expect better days ahead,” Mitsotakis told Proto Thema.
