The bill, introduced by the Ministry of Labour, incorporates an EU directive on adequate minimum wages and introduces a new algorithmic method for determining Greece’s minimum wage starting in 2028. This algorithm will calculate wages based on inflation’s impact on the lowest 20% of salaries and productivity growth.

A contentious debate

The roll-call vote was requested by the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) on the bill’s core provisions, encompassing Articles 1 to 15. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis defended the legislation, arguing that wage increases must balance the needs of workers with the financial capacities of businesses.

“We cannot view wage increases solely as a tool for improving the income of the most vulnerable workers,” Mitsotakis stated during the session, emphasising the need to account for economic realities.

Opposition parties were united in their criticism. PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis called for the reintroduction of a National Collective Labour Agreement negotiated between employers and employees. “New Democracy disregards social partners, promoting a model of opacity where decisions are made unilaterally by the government. Most European countries set the minimum wage through collective agreements. Why not in Greece?” he asked.

Niki Kerameos, responding sharply to Androulakis, questioned the timing of his proposals. “We welcome you to the dialogue with social partners that has been ongoing for 5.5 years. You’ve been leading PASOK for three years. Why has it taken you so long to hold such discussions? Better late than never,” she said.

SYRIZA’s parliamentary representative, Socrates Famellos, criticised the government for what he described as anti-labour policies. “Defending and strengthening workers’ rights is our fundamental commitment—something the government has ignored for five years while implementing extremely anti-worker policies,” he said.

KKE General Secretary Dimitris Koutsoubas denounced the bill, calling it a “mockery.” He accused the government of misleading the public. “You claim that wages won’t be reduced under this law. Lies, lies, and more lies. Do you think we live in a country of lotus eaters? Withdraw this monstrosity and bring forward a bill reinstating Collective Bargaining Agreements if you truly mean it,” he demanded.

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