Greek political groups criticize government over fuel costs

Political leaders in Greece are intensifying their criticism of the government regarding the rising cost of living, specifically focusing on fuel prices.

Gabriel Sakellaridis, leader of the New Left, visited Ioannina to inaugurate new party offices. During his visit, he addressed the need for a structural reorganization of the Left to regain credibility. Sakellaridis criticized the government for failing to control fuel price profiteering and maintaining high Special Consumption Tax rates, which he argues places an undue burden on households and regional businesses.

Similarly, the Greek Left Coalition (ELAS) dismissed recent government measures announced by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis as mere “communication management” and “handouts.” The party argued that temporary reductions in diesel prices and voluntary adjustments by refineries do not provide lasting relief. ELAS called for structural reforms, including significant reductions in Special Consumption Tax and VAT, as well as the imposition of profit margin caps across the supply chain to combat excessive profiteering.