Referring to the prime minister’s forthcoming meeting with farmers’ representatives, Gara said that SYRIZA has no positive expectations, arguing that the government is approaching the dialogue having already imposed restrictions. As she noted, Kyriakos Mitsotakis has made it clear in advance that there is ‘no more money’, which, according to her, undermines the substance of any discussion.

The deputy spokesperson posed a series of questions to the government regarding the replenishment of livestock, support for livestock farmers who have lost their income, and whether there is any fiscal margin to reduce the price of agricultural electricity to seven cents per kilowatt-hour, as demanded by farmers. She recalled that the Public Power Corporation records profits of around €2bn, while the cost of such a measure is estimated at €25m.

‘The issue is not whether solutions exist, but whether there is political will,’ Gara stressed, accusing the government of choosing to support bankers, energy companies and shipowners, while leaving the primary sector outside its priorities.

On the recent blackout in the Athens FIR, she spoke of staffing chaos and described the government as dangerous for transport safety and human life. She argued that there had been repeated warnings from workers and the opposition, as well as interventions at national and European level, which were ignored. At the same time, she noted that a contract delivered ready for implementation by the SYRIZA government was never put into effect by New Democracy.

Gara also criticised the government’s communication handling of such crises, emphasising that executive resignations are not sufficient and that substantive political responsibility is required. She referred as well to the Tempi train disaster, arguing that the government has learned nothing from that tragedy.

Finally, commenting on recent statements by PASOK president Nikos Androulakis, she spoke of a change in strategy and assessed positively the opening towards progressive forces. As she said, SYRIZA has long proposed practical cooperation with the aim of forming a common progressive pole. ‘The calls are positive, but the crucial step is to move forward: to sit at the same table and build a common body,’ she concluded.

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