After a period of intense pressure, the government appears to be entering the final stretch of the year in a slightly better position compared to the recent past, at least based on the last three polls by Pulse (SKAI), MRB (Open), and Metron Analysis (Mega). This is because ND appears to have halted the downward trend of the October polls, when the effect of the TIF package faded, and is at or above the performance of the European elections in the vote estimate, while positive economic “news” for citizens is coming in the coming weeks.

In all three surveys, ND “pinches” half a point, exploiting to some extent the positive climate formed by recent developments on the energy and geopolitical front. On the other hand, the main thorn remains accuracy in an overwhelming percentage, while the government is rated negatively for its handling of the OPEKEPE case, as well as that of the ELTA.

In the MRB survey, ND “writes” 29.1% in the vote estimate, in the Metron Analysis survey 29.3%, while in the Pulse survey, ND “writes” 3 ahead and returns to 30%. In this environment, the gap between ND and PASOK remains abysmal, between 12 and 18 points, while the Hellenic Solution of Kyriakos Velopoulos and the Eleftherias Party of Zoe Konstantopoulou are fighting for third place. However, all three surveys show an interest of citizens in the creation of new parties, but a greater interest in a party under Mr Tsipras compared to a party under Mr Samaras. Of course, the pool of undecideds remains full, although the Metron Analysis survey recorded 39% who seek political stability, compared to 60% who seek political change.

Income support

The best now for the Mansion House is to end the year on a more positive note, as positive developments in the economy are imminent. By the end of the month, 70% of the basic payments to farmers and livestock farmers will be paid, following yesterday’s green light from the Commission, while payments for the rent allowance and the pensioners’ allowance will also be made at the end of November. Also, the budget was submitted yesterday, incorporating the TIF measures, which will be seen as early as January of the new year, while Mitsotakis is expected to have some more “cards” in the budget debate, apart from the renovation subsidy programme he will announce, aimed at getting more foreclosed properties on the market.

As for the Budget, which was analysed yesterday by Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis, the growth rate is expected to reach 2.2% in 2025 and 2.4% in 2026, compared to 1.3% and 1.2% for the Eurozone, respectively. Both the tax reform and the interventions announced by the Prime Minister at the TIF play an important role, while the income of citizens is directly boosted through the structural reform of income taxation with a focus on young people, families with children, and the middle class.