Thessaloniki, Greece – In a high‑profile speech to a crowd of more than 25,000 demonstrators, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis unveiled a sweeping economic relief plan aimed at easing the cost‑of‑living squeeze on Greek families. The package, valued at over €2 billion, includes tax breaks for self‑employed professionals, farmers and rural residents, as well as salary and benefit hikes for retirees and public‑sector workers.
Local protest backdrop
Union leaders and protest groups converged on the city’s downtown, with farmers driving tractors through the streets while police deployed over 3,000 officers to secure the area and close nearby subway stations. Demonstrators voiced frustration that, despite Greece’s recent budget surplus and 2.1% growth, workers still have the lowest purchasing power in the European Union.
Government’s economic rationale
“Our country has overcome stagnation and is now ready to taste the fruits of its efforts,” Mitsotakis told the assembled crowd. He emphasized that the nation’s stabilization allows for “relief from heavy taxes, higher incomes and bold reforms.” The prime minister, who has led Greece since 2019, is seeking a third term in the election slated for next April.
While the relief measures aim to boost household income, polls suggest the New Democracy party may not secure a governing majority in parliament. Nonetheless, the administration frames the initiative as a direct response to citizens’ concerns about affordability.
Broader context
The announcement comes as Greece continues to reduce its high public debt and maintain a fiscal surplus, achievements that the government credits to disciplined budgeting and structural reforms. Critics, however, warn that tax cuts could strain public finances if not paired with sustained growth.
Saturday’s rally was also marked by a somber note: a fighter jet crashed during an air show near Athens earlier in the day, killing two air‑force pilots.
Overall, the government’s promise of tax relief and wage growth reflects a concerted effort to address the everyday financial pressures facing Greek families while positioning the ruling party for the upcoming election.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
