Mitsotakis Extends Diesel Subsidy Through June, Slams Opposition as 'Political Babel'
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced a one-month extension of the diesel fuel subsidy and launched a sharp attack on emerging political parties during a cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
Subsidy extension and family support
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced during a cabinet meeting at the Maximos Mansion that the subsidy on diesel fuel will be extended through June. The measure provides a 15-cent per liter subsidy, which the government says will keep the price of diesel 30 cents lower compared to prices recorded in March. Diesel is the primary fuel for transportation and the commercial sector, and the government argues the intervention helps contain price increases on essential goods.
The diesel subsidy is extended for June as well, by 15 cents, which will keep it 30 cents cheaper compared to March.
The prime minister also confirmed that at the end of June, a one-time family benefit of 150 euros per child will be disbursed. Mitsotakis framed these measures as part of a broader government strategy to support incomes during extraordinary crises and to promote changes that consolidate the country's progress.
Attack on new political formations
Mitsotakis used his introductory remarks to launch a scathing critique of the evolving political landscape, taking aim at newly announced parties. Without naming them directly, he made clear references to the party of Maria Karystianou and the new party being presented by former prime minister Alexis Tsipras at Thiseio on the same day.
New parties are being announced with first-time or returning protagonists who wear a different mask while already being known from their public presence.
He described the opposition environment as a "political Babel" where institutional forces are losing their seriousness and credibility, united only by their denunciation of the government.
Criticism of PASOK
Mitsotakis singled out the socialist PASOK party for particular criticism, citing its refusal to support the reappointment of Yannis Stournaras as governor of the Bank of Greece. He characterized PASOK as an example of a supposedly institutional force that has abandoned its seriousness and credibility, contributing to what he called a climate of confusion and populism.
Supposedly institutional forces are losing their seriousness and credibility, in a political Babel whose common ground is the denunciation of the government — example: PASOK, which did not vote for Stournaras to remain at the Bank of Greece.
Stability message and Cyprus elections
Mitsotakis contrasted his government's approach with the opposition, arguing that New Democracy ensures stability and supports citizens against the cost-of-living crisis. He invoked the recent elections in Cyprus as evidence that voters understand the importance of stability and certainty amid uncertainty, repeating his implicit "Mitsotakis or chaos" framing.
Citizens understand the importance of stability and certainty amid uncertainty — that was also the message of the elections in Cyprus.
