The prime minister began by claiming that wholesale electricity prices had fallen by 29 per cent in August compared with last year, crediting both the government’s ‘systematic work’ and the increased use of renewable energy. He did not, however, explain why the fall has not reached households, where retail tariffs remain at high levels.
Mitsotakis said he ‘expects’ reductions to be passed on to consumers next month and warned he may intervene ‘in favour of consumers’ – an admission that neither market regulation nor the government’s much-trumpeted reforms are functioning effectively.
Work ‘opportunities’
His most provocative remarks concerned the new labour bill. Seeking to dismiss opposition criticism, he framed the possibility of a 13-hour working day as both a choice and an opportunity. He pointed to ‘students working in tourism’ as an example of the model, underlining a reality in which young people are pushed into precarious conditions, with overtime legalisation promoted instead of stronger wages and collective agreements.
Health system under strain
Mitsotakis also referred to the recent death of a woman in Aegina, who died while waiting for an ambulance because no driver was available. Without acknowledging political responsibility for the chronic understaffing of the National Emergency Centre (EKAB), he insisted that ‘the NHS is not collapsing’ and cited renovations to emergency departments as evidence of progress.
______________________________________________
Are you seeking news from Greece presented from a progressive, non-mainstream perspective? Subscribe monthly or annually to support TPP International in delivering independent reporting in English. Don’t let Greek progressive voices fade.
Make sure to reference “TPP International” and your order number as the reason for payment.