Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis returns from his trip to the U.S. and resumes his government duties with a packed week. Today’s Cabinet meeting at 11:00 AM will address several ongoing matters, including preparations for the 50th anniversary celebrations of the New Democracy (ND) party on Friday.

The Mid-term Plan

During the meeting, Mitsotakis is expected to summarize his U.S. engagements and may also address the evolving situation in the Middle East. A separate national security meeting (KYSEA) will be held to discuss this further.

Finance Minister Kostis Hatzidakis and Deputy Minister Thanos Petralias will present the mid-term financial plan, outlining development goals and budget surpluses through 2028. The plan will introduce tighter spending controls, meaning any budget surplus will be directed toward national debt rather than social benefits. As a result, the scope for emergency financial support will be limited.

Alarm Over Juvenile Violence

Mitsotakis will also discuss the National Action Plan on the demographic issue, building on measures announced earlier. A key part of the Cabinet’s agenda will be addressing juvenile crime, with stricter measures to curb a growing trend of youth violence. Citizens’ Protection Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis and Justice Minister Giorgos Floridis will present a series of legal reforms, which include harsher penalties for juvenile offenders and fines for parents who fail to supervise their children properly.

Some of the proposed changes include increasing the minimum prison sentence for offenders to one year and lowering the age at which a minor can be sent to a correctional facility from 15 to 14 years. Stricter penalties are also being considered for cases involving weapon possession or repeat offenses.

Agricultural Loans and 19,000 New Hires

The government is also rolling out social measures, such as restructuring agricultural loans for 21,000 farmers and over 760 cooperatives. This initiative aims to provide significant debt relief, allowing farmers to repay their remaining loans under more favorable conditions.

Additionally, the Cabinet will approve a hiring plan for 2025, which includes over 19,000 new positions, with 4,000 of them in the National Health System (ESY). However, due to delays with the Supreme Council for Civil Personnel Selection (ASEP), some 2024 hires are still pending, prompting legislation to expedite the process.