Amidst a somber atmosphere following the loss of two pilots in Tanagra, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis opened the 90th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) by presenting a €2.2 billion "Roadmap" of interventions. His speech focused on returning the fruits of economic growth to society, with a specific timeline extending to 2028 and a vision for Greece in 2030.
Tax Relief and Business Support
The Prime Minister announced a reduction in "tekmiria" (presumptive income) for compliant professionals, eliminating turnover and payroll surcharges. Additionally, starting in 2027, the tax prepayment will decrease from 55% to 50%, while the business tax (telos epitideumatos) will be gradually abolished in the provinces and eventually in Attica. For farmers, a zero-tax threshold is established for incomes up to €20,000.
Income Boosts and Social Dividend
Wage increases were at the heart of the announcements:
- The minimum wage is targeted to reach €1,000 by January 2028.
- Pensioners over 65 will receive an increased annual benefit of €400 in November.
- Civil servants are set to receive a €500 Christmas bonus starting December 2027.
- Social security contributions will be further reduced by 0.5 points from April 2027.
Investment in Youth and Housing
One of the most innovative announcements involves the creation of a "Piggy Bank for the New Generation." The state will match parental savings for children up to 2 years old, aiming for a capital sum that could exceed €60,000 by age 18. In housing, the "Spiti mou 3" program was announced with a €2 billion budget, while the transfer tax for property purchases by non-EU citizens will increase to 15%.
"The strength of the country must become the strength of every citizen. I heard about real problems of mismanagement. The confrontation with the 'deep state' may have brought victories, but it did not succeed in prevailing definitively," Mr. Mitsotakis emphasized.
