Around 12:00 noon, Eurostat will certify the budget surplus figures for 2025, and from then on, the countdown to the Prime Minister’s announcements will begin, government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis revealed yesterday. Based on the data so far, Kyriakos Mitsotakis is expected to make announcements in a televised statement around 13:00, followed by the specifics of the economic staff, namely Kyriakos Pierrakakis and his deputy minister, Thanos Petralia.

Since yesterday and after the announcement of the announcements, Mitsotakis has been given an order for “general silence” regarding the “mix” of measures. But the basic logic for the allocation of the approximately 500 million “left over” to be allocated for this year is specific: some measures of an exceptional nature now and some later, as was the case last year, when, after Easter, a rent subsidy and a 250 euro subsidy to pensioners were announced, but paid in November.

According to protothema.gr’s information, the first part of the measures concerns the management of the consequences of the war. Already, about 300 million euros have been “thrown into the battle” for the fuel pass, diesel subsidies, and fertilizer subsidies. Of that, about 100 comes from the tax on fruit machines and online casinos, and the other 200 comes from the regular budget. Now, about half a billion more will be drawn, and the necessary consultation with the Commission has been done due to the “spending ceilings” now foreseen for Eurozone member states. According to the same information, the subsidy for diesel at the pump is being extended for May, and probably for June, as it is an inelastic cost that concerns the chain of commerce. On the other hand, given the mild deceleration in prices, it seems that there is no suggestion of continuing the fuel pass, nor is there any plan at this time to subsidise domestic electricity consumers. Also out of the discussion is the reintroduction of the market pass, although something may be done for fertilizers.

A key focus of the announcement will be to boost the support pensioners receive. Reportedly, on the table is an increase in the amount given on a fixed basis in November from €250 to €300, but also an increase in the number of beneficiaries. Reports that the allowance would be paid “twice” are not confirmed, as it exceeds the budgetary space available.

Mitsotakis will not stop there, however, according to reports. There is another “surprise” measure on the table, which has not been leaked, and it remains to be seen whether a tax measure will “fit” within the perimeter of the available money. In any case, there will be no talk of direct tax cuts (done at the TIF) or indirect tax cuts (long out of the question).