Alexis Tsipras proposes 13th pension and 13th salary in Greece

Former Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has proposed the reintroduction of a 13th pension and a 13th salary for public employees. To fund these measures, Tsipras suggested a 1% wealth tax on the richest 1% of Greeks, defined as individuals with assets in bank accounts, real estate, and other income sources totaling between €3.6 million and €4 million or more.

This policy shift marks a move toward more traditional left-wing stances, moving away from his previous centrist profile. The proposal follows internal discussions within his party, SYRIZA, where the measure was initially rejected due to fiscal concerns. Analysts suggest the shift is driven by competition with the PASOK party and recent polling data.

In response, the PASOK party has criticized Tsipras, accusing him of a ‘neoliberal mutation’ and claiming his new positions align more closely with the current government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis than with his previous commitments. PASOK highlighted contradictions in his stance regarding social benefits, the protection of primary residences, and private universities.