Mitsotakis marks Parthenon restoration after 220 years, unveils €36,000 home renovation subsidy

Restoration milestone at the Acropolis

After about 220 years, scaffolding covering the western facade of the Parthenon was removed, revealing the restored pediment.

“It is an achievement of historical significance for the monument and world culture.”

The work was carried out by the Acropolis Monuments Conservation Service with what Mitsotakis described as exemplary precision and dedication. The restoration was the most emblematic of several cultural heritage projects completed across Greece: in Symi, the bell tower of Agios Ioannis Prodromos was delivered restored; in Rhodes, three monuments in the Medieval City received significant interventions; and in Halki, a new Archaeological Museum opened alongside the restoration of Panagia Chorianis. All were financed through the Recovery Fund, reflecting what the prime minister called a consistent choice to invest in culture.

Housing and cost-of-living measures

The government presented a new “Home Renovation” scheme designed to bring idle and old properties back onto the housing market. The program offers subsidies of up to €36,000, covering as much as 95% of renovation costs for low- and middle-income households. More than 6,700 eligibility certificates have already been issued, and the scheme aims to return up to 20,000 homes to the market.

Price transparency platform introduced

Alongside the housing drive, Mitsotakis showcased the new posokanei.gov.gr price comparison platform, which allows consumers to compare prices across more than 8,000 products. He was careful to manage expectations, however.

“A platform is not going to solve the problem of high prices. If it were that simple, we would have solved it a long time ago. I believe, however, that more transparency in the market, better consumer information and more effective checks help.”

He added that high prices remain one of the biggest challenges for households, that there are no easy or magic solutions, only continuous effort on many levels simultaneously.

Fire prevention season intensifying

With the peak of the fire season approaching, Mitsotakis noted that 803 fires have been recorded since 1 May, all dealt with immediately. He urged property owners to clear their plots before municipal inspections begin on Tuesday, stressing that prevention is the simplest and most effective measure.

“It has been proven that homes which were at risk in previous years from fires were ultimately saved because they had carried out exactly these cleanings.”

US-Iran framework agreement welcomed

On the international front, the prime minister welcomed the framework agreement between the United States and Iran, calling it an important step towards de-escalating tension in the Persian Gulf and restoring free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. He added that a de-escalation of international oil prices would be a positive development for economies and households, and underlined Greece’s upgraded energy role in the Eastern Mediterranean.