The United Pensioners’ Network (ENDISY) has strongly criticised the government’s planned €250 support payment this November, calling it both a “mockery” and a “payout of shame.” The payment, which is to be distributed based on income, age and other relevant criteria, has been slammed as insufficient and mistimed. “Pensioners who were in urgent need of support now, to get through Easter, were informed – after Easter – that around 45% of them might receive a one-off handout… in seven months’ time,” ENDISY stated. “The level of deception and contempt shown by this government is truly staggering.”

The network has repeatedly called for the reinstatement of the 13th and 14th pension payments, arguing that with the economy once again running a surplus in 2024, it’s time to deliver justice to pensioners. ENDISY has taken legal action and is pushing for a pilot trial to address the matter in court.

They also pointed out the stark hypocrisy in the PM’s stance. “Let us not forget that back in 2019, the current Prime Minister dismissed the 13th pension payment approved by the previous government as ‘crumbs’. At the time, €1.1 billion was set aside annually to be paid permanently to all pensioners. He voted for it – only to scrap it once he took office. Now, six years later, with pensioners having lost €6.6 billion from that one decision alone, Mr Mitsotakis is celebrating handing out just €360 million a year to a select few. What a ‘success’…”

ENDISY has also proposed the reintroduction of EKAS (a supplementary pension allowance), especially for low-income retirees and those under the Agricultural Insurance Organisation (OGA). “But EKAS meant €250 per month, not €250 per year,” they stressed. “There is a huge difference.”

The group is also calling for the abolition of the so-called “personal difference” in pension calculations, which has left one in four pensioners without any increases and facing a real-term income loss of 13.15% over just three years. In addition, they are demanding the repeal of the Solidarity Contribution for Pensioners (EAS) and the return of €10 billion that has been withheld from pensioners since 2010 and currently sits in the Bank of Greece. This issue affects 752,000 pensioners.

“Pensioners cannot endure any more deception,” the Network concluded. “They are calling for immediate, meaningful reforms to address the severe financial hardship they are experiencing.”

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