The government finds itself at a crossroads of redefining its relationship with society ahead of the 89th Thessaloniki International Fair. This year’s TIF, beyond the traditional prime ministerial announcements, takes on significant political importance as the Maximos Mansion seeks to regain citizens’ trust during a period of increased social discontent.
At the center lies a €1.7 billion package of measures aimed at providing relief from the burden of high prices and strengthening the middle class. Government interventions are expected to focus on three main areas: tax reductions, housing policy, and demographic support.
Marinakis on TIF measures package: This is a comprehensive tax reform
Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis announced permanent tax cuts, with emphasis on families with children, while hinting that Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s speech will include “surprises” that have not yet been made public. “These are not unfunded handouts, but a comprehensive tax reform,” he stressed, noting that the goal is to increase disposable income with fairness in mind.
Government sources clarify that there will be no return to “bonus” logic, emphasizing that the tax reduction policy is sustainable and will have a substantial impact on citizens’ daily lives.
Meanwhile, the Maximos rejects opposition proposals such as establishing a 13th salary, with Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis stating that such a move would deprive other groups of resources, characterizing it as “neither fair nor feasible.” As he noted, “with the unfreezing of public sector salaries since 2022, increases equivalent to 1.3 salaries have already been given.”
Government aims to transform TIF into starting point for political recovery
The government’s major challenge is to transform TIF into a starting point for political recovery, as polls show declining public approval. The prime minister’s goal is to convince society that he listens, responds seriously, and proceeds with structural changes with a long-term horizon, while simultaneously setting the political dilemma for the next electoral contest.
