PASOK criticizes Mitsotakis over 2.2 billion euro economic package at Thessaloniki fair

Opposition response to Thessaloniki address

PASOK-KINAL launched a detailed critique of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis following his keynote speech at the 90th Thessaloniki International Fair on 5 September 2026. Party spokesperson Kostas Tsoukalas rejected the government narrative of progress and prosperity, arguing that the administration is attempting to manage public dissatisfaction with piecemeal concessions. Tsoukalas stated that after seven years in office, the administration has left Greek purchasing power at the bottom of the European Union while citizens cope with inflation and market cartels. He argued that New Democracy is entering a period of decline and accused the prime minister of seeking another four-year term to complete tasks neglected during his existing mandate. PASOK positioned its own platform as a comprehensive alternative for private sector workers, civil servants, farmers, and young people.

Tonight Kyriakos Mitsotakis declared himself more optimistic, more ready, and more determined after seven years of governance with corruption scandals, galloping prices, cartel profiteering, and European divergence with citizens' purchasing power in last place in the EU.

Disputes over fiscal space and welfare measures

The opposition focused on contradictions between past government warnings on spending and the 2.2 billion euro economic package presented in Thessaloniki. In July, Mitsotakis had criticized PASOK proposals by arguing that available fiscal space stood at only 1.0 billion euros. Tsoukalas noted that two months earlier, PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis proposed restoring the 13th pension in two installments with exact costing, which the government dismissed at the time as a fiscal derailment. At the fair, Mitsotakis announced an increased permanent annual allowance of 400 euros for pensioners and a 500 euro Christmas bonus for public sector workers. Tsoukalas stated that these allowances do not constitute a full 13th pension, a renewed EKAS benefit, or a restored 13th salary for civil servants.

Taxes, housing, and state administration

Beyond cash allowances, the critique challenged the administration's broader record on taxation, housing, and institutional reform. Tsoukalas asserted that the prime minister is attempting to undo his own previous legislation on the heavy taxation of self-employed professionals, undermining his credibility on fiscal stability. On housing policy, the spokesperson remarked that launching another round of subsidized mortgage loans fails to provide genuine social housing. Tsoukalas also argued that the prime minister offered no remedies for mortgage borrowers facing aggressive actions from investment funds. Turning to governance, PASOK dismissed Mitsotakis's renewed promise to confront the deep state, contending that the public sector became more centralized, clientelist, and corrupt over the past seven years.