Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis sent a clear message that the government is firmly supporting, within its capabilities, the disposable income of all citizens—especially the most vulnerable—during his remarks following a visit to the Ministry of Labor on what he described as a “symbolic” day marking the launch of the fifth consecutive increase in the minimum wage.
“I want to remind everyone that we inherited the minimum wage at €650 and I am convinced that we will meet our pre-election goal of €950 by 2027,” Mitsotakis said, emphasizing that “supporting disposable income starts with helping unemployed individuals find good, well-paid jobs.”
In this context, he noted that “today, 3 out of 4 workers are in full-time employment and the average wage of these employees has surpassed €1,400,” also highlighting the reduction in social security contributions, which will total 6% by the end of the government’s four-year term.
“As unemployment declines, employers will be compelled to offer better pay to attract the workers they need,” the Prime Minister stated.
Referring to the participation of women and young people in the labor market, Mitsotakis acknowledged that “we still have a long way to go,” recalling the “bold initiative” to exempt pensioners who wish to keep working from pension cuts, offering them a flat tax rate—a measure that has led to 200,000 retirees continuing to work legally and declared.
In this context, he emphasized that “we will continue with active labor market policies to align real market needs with the skills available in the workforce.”
“We are fully aware that raising the minimum wage doesn’t solve all the problems faced by those earning it, but it is a step in the right direction. And to those who attempt to dismiss our policy, we remind them that Greece ranks 11th among European countries with a minimum wage,” Mitsotakis concluded, stressing that the government is working steadily to achieve all the goals it set when the Greek people entrusted New Democracy with governing the country.
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