SYRIZA criticizes Prime Minister Mitsotakis over economic timing

The SYRIZA political party has issued a response to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis regarding his recent Sunday message, criticizing his economic outlook and timing of relief measures.

SYRIZA argues that the current cost of living, including rent and utility bills, requires immediate solutions rather than promises set for 2027 or 2029. The party highlighted that out of 2.2 billion euros, only 600 million are being allocated this year, with 1.6 billion deferred to 2027. They specifically noted that public employees would have to wait until December 2027 for a 500 euro increase, which equates to less than 42 euros per month in the interim.

In response, SYRIZA proposed several alternative measures, including a permanent 13th month salary for public sector employees, a 13th pension, and zero VAT on food and medicine for six months. They also called for the taxation of excess profits and higher dividends, the abolition of the presumptive tax system for freelancers, and increased funding for small businesses. Regarding housing, the party suggested utilizing social housing reserves through the Development Bank and EFKA to address rising prices.