The Cabinet meets today under Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis for the first time after the summer holidays, with a focus on growth and day-to-day issues.

In his opening remarks, the Prime Minister stated: “At the center of our focus are the everyday challenges people face. I would like to comment on the atmosphere some are trying to create around prices in the market, during a period when inflation is declining and price increases have fallen below the European average. I have asked the Minister of Development to provide a detailed comparison of identical products from last year and this year. The measures we have taken are many and effective, and this difficult phase we have been through is coming to an end. The battle continues. We are now focusing on school supplies. I am pleased to see that many chains are offering noticeably lower prices than last year. I believe that both competition and state oversight will function in this sector as well, ensuring households are not disproportionately burdened.”

He added, “To avoid misunderstanding, we have said it many times: No one is claiming that prices have not risen in our country over the past few years. What we are saying is that we are resisting these pressures and that things will gradually improve. Let me reiterate: price hikes in food have fallen below the European average, and if we exclude the disproportionately large impact of olive oil on the food price index in our country, the overall index is now moving downward. Greece, despite the challenges, is picking up speed, and our government is implementing its four-year plan step by step. Every action we take will lead to significant changes for the benefit of the people. We want permanent increases in income, and we will discuss this further. We will have the opportunity to address these matters in 10 days, and we will respond to some of the myths circulating that portray Greece as worse off than Bulgaria, with a minimum wage of €477. Let me remind everyone that in Greece, it is €830, and our country is second in the rate of GDP growth per capita, while consumption – perhaps the most indicative metric, as it includes all household expenses – is steadily improving. Certainly, the opposition may remain trapped in its own dilemmas, but we leave that to their own judgment. What I want to emphasize, however, is that as the opposition’s difficulties intensify, so do our responsibilities. It is our duty to safeguard the integrity of politics. And the only path we know is to intensify our work, responding with tangible results to slogans. I don’t believe the public is particularly concerned with what’s happening within the opposition; they are very focused on their own problems and on how we can provide solutions.”

The Prime Minister also referred to the new contract for Attiki Odos, noting, “We will authorize the signing of the new concession agreement for Attiki Odos. Public coffers will be bolstered by over €3 billion from the company that will manage it, and there will also be a tangible benefit for citizens, as from October 6, tolls on Attiki Odos will be reduced from €2.80 to €2.50. This is a concrete result for citizens, especially those who regularly use the city’s main highway.”

Beyond the Prime Minister’s speech, which set the political tone for the upcoming season, the Cabinet will discuss the progress of projects funded by the Recovery Fund, significant reforms within the police force, and the measures announced by Justice Minister Giorgos Floridis over the summer to address domestic violence.

Detailed Cabinet Agenda

• Update from Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance Nikos Papathanasis on the progress of the Recovery and Resilience Facility actions.
• Presentation by Minister of National Economy and Finance Kostis Hatzidakis and Minister of Development Takis Theodorikakos on the bill for innovation incentives and business mergers.
• Presentation by Minister of Development Takis Theodorikakos of legislative initiatives: (a) Incorporation of Directive 2022/2464 on sustainability reporting, (b) Omnibus bill.
• Presentation by Minister of Citizen Protection Michalis Chrysochoidis on the bill to reorganize the Headquarters and Staff Services of the Hellenic Police and upgrade the Police Academy.
• Presentation by Justice Minister Giorgos Floridis on the bill to combat domestic violence.
• Presentation by Digital Governance Minister Dimitris Papastergiou on the bill for the incorporation of Directive 2022/2555 on achieving a high level of cybersecurity.
• Proposal by Minister of National Economy and Finance Kostis Hatzidakis and Infrastructure and Transport Minister Christos Staikouras regarding authorization for the signing of the concession contract for the operation, maintenance, and exploitation of Attiki Odos.

Key Measures in Floridis’ Bill on Domestic Violence

• Pretrial detention becomes the standard for felony domestic violence cases, with only exceptional cases allowing alternative measures such as electronic monitoring or house arrest.
• Sentences for domestic violence perpetrators will be served without suspension or conversion under any circumstances.
• Perpetrators will be brought to trial soon after investigation without intervention by a judicial council.
• Temporary detention for up to six months will be imposed on domestic violence perpetrators, even for misdemeanor charges.
• In cases of summary offenses of domestic violence, detention is extended to five days.
• Victims are protected by allowing testimony through written statements, eliminating the need for their physical presence in court unless deemed necessary.
• Temporary restraining orders may be imposed before prosecution to protect victims, with violations leading to imprisonment.
• Repeat offenses are considered aggravating factors, leading to maximum penalties.
• No mediation for serious domestic violence misdemeanors, even if the victim requests it. Prosecutors retain discretion to reject or revoke agreements based on evidence of impaired victim decision-making.
• Prosecutors can investigate custody changes in domestic violence cases.
• An online platform will allow third-party reports of domestic violence, and an archive of police reports will be attached to case files.

The government will also soon focus on the reopening of schools, with permanent teacher appointments already announced.