Following the completion of the election cycle and a clear political horizon, Kyriakos Mitsotakis is focusing on everyday issues. The government understands that reversing the situation requires quick “wins” on fronts that immediately concern citizens. Hence, the directive to ministries is to accelerate efforts, even if it entails conflicts.
The return of the prime minister from the US will set the pace, and preparations are underway for Mr. Mitsotakis’ presence at the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF). Despite fiscal constraints from Europe, the government feels a need for a change in direction starting from the TIF. Thus, the prime minister’s announcements will be carefully crafted to be both realistic and substantial for citizens.
Initiatives for Families
The government is focusing on family issues and housing. Recently, a meeting was held to discuss the progress of housing policies, including the planning of the “My Home 2” program, which will also target couples aged 40-50. The government has requested the release of 2 billion euros from Recovery Fund loans, arguing that the funds could be lost if not used immediately. The response from Brussels is pending and is not expected before September, so the program may launch at the end of the year at best.
Additionally, changes to the Renovate-Rent program are being finalized to increase the subsidy from 4,000 to 6,000 euros for repairs on vacant apartments, making them available for rent. At the same meeting, with the participation of Minister of State Akis Skertsos and Minister of Social Cohesion and Family Sofia Zacharaki, preparations for the Social Partnership program were reviewed. This program aims to utilize public land for housing construction, with the apartments to be rented out, possibly with a purchase option.
At the same time, the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family is finalizing the National Plan for demographics. A meeting was recently held on the issue, considering significant interventions focused on children. Discussions include increasing child allowances and equating families with three children to those with more, except for tax purposes. Additional incentives for the first and second child are also being considered due to negative demographic trends.
Public Health and Inflation
The Ministry of Health is facing high tension due to the open conflict between Adonis Georgiadis and private doctors, as the minister considers activating the Plevis law to cover hospital shifts with private doctors due to emergency conditions. This insistence has led to clashes with medical associations and private doctors, but the ministry maintains that the longstanding shortages in many specialties have reached a critical point.
Moreover, the government remains vigilant on several other issues concerning citizens. For instance, the Ministry of Environment and Energy is monitoring electricity price fluctuations, which signal significant increases in August bills due to wholesale price hikes. On Friday, Minister Theodoros Skylakakis noted that he expects the situation to ease, but if it doesn’t, he didn’t rule out some intervention, stating the issue would be reviewed.
In addition to electricity, the government is also focusing on ferry ticket prices, which have soared this year. Minister of Development Takis Theodorikakos visited the Competition Commission on Friday, which is investigating company practices. Theodorikakos has prepared an amendment to strengthen the Commission with additional staff, while it remains to be seen if the Ministry of Shipping will do more than the announced price monitoring.
Reshuffle of General Secretaries
In the coming days, Kyriakos Mitsotakis will also make decisions on further interventions in the government structure regarding general secretaries. While Mitsotakis was in the US, intense preparations were underway at Maximos Mansion on this issue. A shortlist of changes is being drafted, with preparations by Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister Giorgos Mylonakis and Minister of State Akis Skertsos, who monitors government work with Thanasis Nezis.
Based on information, the changes will be significant, with possible reshuffles of general secretaries between ministries. The ministries of Interior, Citizen Protection, Social Cohesion and Family, Agricultural Development, Migration and Asylum, Health, Labor, and potentially Development will be scrutinized. Many general secretaries have been in their positions for years, and it is believed that “fiefdoms” should not be created, others have not met expectations, and some changes will be linked to the recent cabinet reshuffle, as government sources suggest.
The changes are imminent and could occur this week if the prime minister gives the green light. Otherwise, developments will be postponed to the next week, after Mitsotakis’ trips to London on Thursday for the European Political Community and to Cyprus on Saturday to attend an event organized by the Cypriot Presidency for the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.
