MP Zeybek criticizes the government during budget discussions
The MP from Xanthi representing the New Left Party, Hüseyin Zeybek, addressed the parliament during the 2025 budget discussions and strongly criticized the government. Zeybek described the budget proposed by the ND government as a "plundering budget," accusing it of being socially insensitive and exploiting citizens' incomes.
In a written statement, Zeybek highlighted the main points of his speech:
According to Eurostat data, Greece ranks first in poverty levels, with two out of three citizens unable to meet their basic needs. The average salary is the lowest among European countries, and the hourly wage is also the lowest within the EU.
Regarding education, Greece allocates only 2.92% of its GDP to education, compared to the European average of 4.7%. Many schools face severe structural issues, such as collapsing ceilings. Zeybek referenced the Xanthi Minority Middle and High School’s building problems and called for a modern, safe facility to meet the school’s needs.
In healthcare, Greece spends only 5.43% of its GDP, a decrease compared to last year, and well below the EU average of 7.6%. Zeybek criticized the state of Xanthi Hospital, which operates thanks to the dedication of its staff, despite a lack of government support.
He also drew attention to economic hardships, pointing out that Greece ranks third from the bottom in average annual salary (€17,000) among EU countries, far below the EU average of €37,860. Citizens face Swiss prices with Bulgarian wages and Chinese working conditions.
Zeybek accused the government of failing to reduce VAT on essential goods, allowing cartels to dominate the market, and favoring the wealthy with tax cuts while burdening small businesses and self-employed individuals with higher taxes.
He further criticized the government’s handling of the agricultural sector, noting a 16% decline in agricultural production in 2023 and a lack of reforms in ELGA. He called out delays in subsidy payments and insufficient measures to prevent livestock diseases and natural disasters in regions like Thessaly, Thrace, and Evros.
Zeybek concluded by stating that the country needs a new development model to address growing social inequalities and poverty. He pledged that the New Left Party would continue to oppose the neoliberal policies of the ND government and work for the benefit of the people.
