SYRIZA outlines economic program focusing on SMEs and governance

Theoní Koufonikoláki, spokesperson for the SYRIZA party, has outlined the key pillars of the party's economic program ahead of its presentation by Alexis Tsipras at the Thessaloniki International Fair. The proposed four-year governance plan focuses on four main areas: addressing the cost of living and boosting income, supporting labor and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) as an absolute priority, rebuilding the social state with an emphasis on education and health, and changing the productive model to ensure fair wealth distribution.

Koufonikoláki emphasized that the measures are costed and comply with European fiscal rules, stating that “fiscal seriousness and consistency do not imply social injustice.” She highlighted the need for honest governance to combat corruption, noting OECD data suggesting that corruption can lead to a loss of up to 25% of resources. Additionally, she addressed Greece's economic standing, noting that the country's purchasing power is among the lowest in Europe and that the average annual gross salary in Greece is €18,000, compared to a European average of €40,000.