Kyriakos Mitsotakis restores survivor pensions amid opposition tax criticism

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced the permanent abolition of pension cuts previously introduced under the Syriza administration. The measure aims to restore survivor pensions, with 8,500 beneficiaries expected to see significant increases, some returning to pre-cut levels. Additionally, approximately 75,000 retirees will not be required to repay retroactive amounts, and 122,000 pensioners receiving two national pensions will see no changes to their status.

In contrast to these social measures, the opposition party PASOK has criticized the government's economic management. PASOK spokesperson Kostas Tsoukalas warned of potential public discontent due to rising taxes and economic hardship. He noted that a recent budget surplus of 1.3 billion euros was largely driven by 990 million euros in income tax and Value Added Tax collections, arguing that the tax burden on the 450,000 self-employed individuals in the country has increased.