This year’s Thessaloniki International Fair appears to be a particularly critical political milestone that could play its own role in shaping the political landscape, as Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ announcements from the Vellidio are awaited with exceptional interest, seeming to act as a catalyst for new balances ahead of autumn. Specifically, according to Penya Avramidi’s report for “Apogefmatini,” the majority of measures the prime minister will announce include reductions in income and property taxation affecting approximately 4 million taxpayers – employees, pensioners, self-employed, farmers, and income earners.
The pillars of Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ TIF speech – What the measures package will include
Additionally, this year’s package will focus on income enhancement interventions primarily targeting pensioners and other social groups, such as families with three children, large families, disabled individuals, and young workers, aiming to support Greek families. Government sources characterize the 89th TIF as “exceptional,” as it takes place in the middle of the second term and, according to information, Kyriakos Mitsotakis will move his speech in two directions: The first concerns economic measures for 2026, and the second involves reforms that must be implemented with a 2030 horizon. These are major reforms that exceed the four-year term horizon, and therefore, as Mr. Mitsotakis will emphasize in his speech, they require broader consensus, both social and political.
The major tax reform breakthrough and Mitsotakis’ surprises – Goal to restore government’s reform profile
However, the central message the prime minister will convey tonight from the Vellidio will not be limited to a list of individual measures, but will present a major breakthrough focusing on taxation, whose reduction leads to increased disposable income for everyone. Moreover, in recent days, senior government officials have been hinting at surprises and speaking of major tax reform. In any case, the Maximos Mansion seeks through K. Mitsotakis’ presence to restore the reform profile that has been damaged by a series of events, with the OPEKEPE case overshadowing the government’s image. The value of the measures to be announced amounts to approximately €1.7 billion. With this money, the government aims to increase incomes through tax reliefs with permanent characteristics, since tax reduction is the safest and most certain way for all citizens to see the increase in their pockets: civil servants, private sector employees, freelancers, and pensioners.
As Maximos Mansion sources note, to these measures should be added the €1.5 billion in permanent measures already announced, which will continue to manifest not only throughout 2026 but also from late 2025 (November – low-pension enhancement, rent support, etc.). This specific strategy shows the gradual nature of reform results, which are announced and implemented in stages, while keeping open the window for a “mini TIF” in April, provided the good budget execution continues.
The reference Mitsotakis is expected to make in his first TIF appearance
As Kyriakos Mitsotakis will emphasize in his speech, the Greek economy under the government’s policy is once again performing and creating healthy surpluses. Surpluses that allow, always within the framework of European fiscal rules and without risking fiscal derailment, substantial interventions in the daily lives of many. Indeed, faithful to the logic of tax relief, the prime minister – according to information – will begin his speech by reminding that what he said in his first TIF appearance in 2016 about tax reductions, income increases, etc., is exactly the same as what he says today, at the 2025 TIF. Regarding the political messages the prime minister will convey, he will briefly focus on today’s international environment, with ongoing wars and economic insecurity translating into political crises. Referring to the examples of France and the Netherlands, and highlighting Greece’s position within a turbulent geopolitical landscape, he is expected to emphasize the importance of economic stability and political certainty.
