Mitsotakis, Androulakis clash in Parliament over cost of living
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis sparred in Parliament on Friday over Greece’s persistent cost-of-living crisis, trading accusations over rising prices, household debt and the government’s economic record. The confrontation was the first under the new “time-cutter” rule limiting leaders’ speaking time.
Mitsotakis argued that inflation stems mainly from global shocks — pandemic-era spending, post-lockdown demand, energy turmoil after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and international tariff disputes. He rejected claims that Greece has Europe’s highest electricity costs and maintained that incomes are rising, citing lower unemployment, higher deposits and a series of tax cuts.
Androulakis accused the government of being out of touch with households struggling to keep up with rising food prices, rents and energy bills. He pointed to data showing 62% of families are “just getting by,” negative savings rates and one of the lowest average wages in the EU, arguing that many benefit little from government tax measures.
Rents and taxation further fueled the dispute. Mitsotakis acknowledged rising rents but highlighted subsidies and pledged to cut rental income tax next year. Androulakis countered that the government has failed to reduce Greece’s heavy reliance on indirect taxes, worsening inequalities.
The two also disagreed on market oversight. Mitsotakis said a unified authority is stepping up enforcement, collecting millions in fines for profiteering. Androulakis insisted the government relies too heavily on market self-regulation and called for stronger consumer protection and greater transparency on collected fines.
