Greece Ministry of Social Cohesion responds to Metro campaign criticism

The Greek Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family has responded to criticisms regarding a social policy advertising campaign displayed in Metro stations. The Ministry stated that the campaign cost zero euros, as both the production and promotion did not burden the public treasury. According to the Ministry, the creative content was developed by ministry staff with the voluntary participation of citizens who have benefited from state programs, and the promotion was facilitated through a memorandum of understanding with STASY and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.

The Ministry defended the use of the Metro as a strategic location to reach a wide demographic, emphasizing that informing citizens about public services is a state obligation. They noted the campaign features 26 real-life stories, including three regarding benefits, to illustrate how social policies support autonomy.

Previously, the Greek Left Symparchism (ELAS) had criticized the campaign, labeling it the ‘advertising of poverty.’ ELAS demanded full transparency regarding the funding and procurement process, arguing that the government was using the vulnerability of citizens for political self-promotion while 27.5% of the population remains at risk of poverty or social exclusion.