Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced measures to support pensioners and tenants in rented accommodation, after the release of data on Greece's fiscal overperformance by ELSTAT and Eurostat.
According to the figures announced, Greece surpassed targets for a record surplus of 11.4 billion euros (4.8% of GDP) in 2024.
The measures announced by the prime minister are estimated to cost approximately 1 billion euros and will aim to support pensioners, but also to address the critical issue of housing for tenants.
Pensioners are one of the most vulnerable social groups, and their support is vital. Of the total package of measures, 250 million euros will be allocated to support them.
Housing is another critical issue that requires immediate attention. Rising rents and the lack of affordable housing have created serious problems for many citizens. A significant portion of the support package will be directed towards supporting tenants, with the aim of reducing the financial pressure they face. Measures such as rent subsidies and the construction of new social housing will contribute to addressing this crisis.
More specifically, Mitsotakis said that measures aim to:
First, to provide an answer to the housing problem. "I know how difficult it is for our fellow citizens who rent a house. That is why we decided that every year, and specifically in November, the state will refund a full monthly rent to tenants, in order to alleviate their expenses. While, of course, all the relevant programmes will continue," the premier said.
The second measure targets the approximately 1.5 million low-income pensioners, uninsured elderly people and people with disabilities, categories which, starting this year, will be supported, on a permanent basis, with 250 euros net, in addition to any other income they have. And this amount will be paid every year at the end of November.
Finally, the third government decision concerns the increase by 500 million euros annually of the Public Investment Programme budget, with the aim of accelerating public works, as well as social actions throughout the country, but also, in the midst of international instability, to increase investments in order to continue creating new jobs.
The government's economic staff will shortly give a detailed breakdown of the new decisions.