Greek political tensions rise over social policy and police intervention

The Popular Unity party (EL.AS.) has launched sharp criticisms against the Greek government regarding two separate incidents. First, the party questioned the cost and transparency of a social policy advertising campaign displayed in Metro stations. EL.AS. described the campaign as ‘advertising poverty,’ noting that approximately 27.5% of the Greek population, or 2.8 million people, are at risk of poverty or social exclusion. The party is demanding disclosure of the contracts, funding sources, and the procurement process used for the campaign.

Separately, EL.AS. official Marinos Skandamis condemned police intervention during an anti-fascist demonstration in Thessaloniki following a speech by Ilias Kasidiaris. Skandamis accused the government and the Ministry of Citizen Protection of siding with Kasidiaris and suppressing protesters. The party called for the immediate release of those detained during the mobilization, arguing that the government’s actions undermined the significance of the October 28th anniversary.