Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in Athens and other cities on Saturday, demanding immediate action to ease a deepening cost‑of‑living crisis. The protests, organized by a coalition of trade unions and citizen groups, featured chants against rising prices for food, energy and housing, and called for the government to deliver tangible relief without delay.
In response, the conservative government announced a package of sweeping tax breaks and pay hikes aimed at cushioning households. While the exact figures were not disclosed, officials described the measures as “comprehensive” and intended to lower the tax burden on middle‑income earners while raising minimum wages ahead of the general election scheduled for next year.
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Greece has been grappling with persistent inflation that has outpaced wage growth for several years, eroding real incomes and prompting public discontent. The country’s unemployment rate remains high, and many families report that wages have failed to keep pace with the cost of essentials such as electricity, gas and groceries. These economic pressures have intensified public scrutiny of the ruling party’s fiscal policies.
The timing of the promises is politically significant. With the national election looming, the ruling coalition seeks to shore up support among working‑class voters who have traditionally leaned toward opposition parties. Opposition leaders have criticized the announcements as “too little, too late,” arguing that the measures lack clear implementation timelines and fail to address structural issues in the tax system.
Analysts note that the announced tax relief and wage hikes could have mixed effects on Greece’s fiscal balance. While lower taxes may boost disposable income, they could also reduce state revenue at a time when the government is seeking to meet EU budgetary targets. The success of the package will likely hinge on how quickly the reforms are enacted and whether they translate into measurable improvements for households.
