Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced the creation of a new body, the "National Authority Against High Prices", presenting it as a flagship initiative supposedly modelled after Sweden. This announcement comes at a time when Greek workers’ purchasing power ranks second to last in Europe, the country tops the charts in housing costs, and privatisation in the energy sector has clearly impacted household bills. Meanwhile, the government continues to refuse cuts to indirect taxes – even on essential goods. In this context, the Greek PM unveiled yet another so-called measure to address the cost-of-living crisis. At the same time, and following recent moves targeting university students with harsh penalties and public servants with threats to their constitutionally protected job security, the government now shifts its focus once again to migrants – part of an ongoing effort to change the political narrative.

Speaking at a Cabinet meeting, Mitsotakis admitted that “high prices continue, as we have often acknowledged, to put pressure on middle- and lower-income households.” He reiterated claims of salary and pension increases, without acknowledging that these do not keep pace with the rising cost of living.

“These increases provide some relief to households,” he said, “but it’s clear that this battle with inflation is far from over.”

The Prime Minister focused on the introduction of this new body:

“We’re adding another tool to our arsenal to tackle rising prices – a powerful National Authority tasked with overseeing market activity and protecting consumers, similar to bodies seen in Scandinavian countries. Sweden, in particular, serves as the closest model for what we aim to establish here.”

This new authority, he explained, will operate alongside the Competition Commission and incorporate staff from existing bodies such as the Consumer Ombudsman, the General Market Directorate, and DIMEA, which he claimed has already proven its effectiveness in market inspections despite initial scepticism.

“Crucially, this new body will unify overlapping services and streamline their functions,” he added. “It will handle inspections, complaints, sanctions, and out-of-court dispute resolution.”

Mitsotakis also revealed plans for a new mobile app allowing citizens to report issues directly to inspectors. The e-Consumer platform will feature real-time alerts about the lowest daily prices for various products. “We can strengthen this tool even further,” he said, calling it valuable yet underutilised.

Other upcoming measures include a requirement for supermarkets and suppliers to clearly label products that have been reduced in size without a corresponding price drop – a practice consumers increasingly face. Another initiative will establish separate farmers-only markets, ensuring producers have a space to sell their goods directly, without competing with middlemen. “It’s important for both transparency and for strengthening producers’ role in the supply chain,” he noted.

An even harder line on migration to appease the right and shift attention from soaring costs

Following a pattern of tightening measures against students and public workers, the government now returns to refugees as part of its strategy to appeal to more conservative voters.

“The second key topic on today’s agenda concerns migration, particularly illegal migration,” said Mitsotakis.

“The relevant minister will soon outline the bill’s provisions, but if I had to sum it up, the penalties will be tougher for those entering or remaining in the country illegally after their asylum claims have been rejected.”

He went on to talk about “clear rules and clear solutions,” emphasising the government’s aim to make the deportation process more effective and fair.

“This is not just a national priority – it’s a European one,” he insisted.

Mitsotakis reminded his audience that “Greece has played a leading role in shaping Europe’s overall approach to migration in recent years. We’ve moved past issues like secondary migration flows, which used to cause major friction between member states. Now, the focus is on Europe’s external borders – on effective border control paired with a strong policy on returns.”

He pointed out that currently, fewer than two in ten people who are in Europe illegally are actually returned to their countries of origin.

A Vision of reform – But the reality tells another story

Despite widespread criticism and evidence to the contrary, the PM painted a rosy picture of the government’s progress: “We’re gradually seeing the results of the policies we were elected on in 2023,” he said.

He held up the health sector as a success story, despite mounting complaints from medical staff across the country about understaffing and burnout in public hospitals.

“With expectations rising,” Mitsotakis said, “we’re not just aiming to meet our 2027 targets – we want to build on our achievements and open up opportunities for the future. Our long-term goal remains: the Greece of 2030.”

Repeating his central message, he concluded, “If you consider that the reforms from our first two years are only now becoming visible in society – take the significant changes in healthcare as an example – the next wave of reforms will, hopefully, show results after 2027. That’s why I emphasise the need for continuity in our political agenda. It doesn’t stop at one milestone or one date.”

______________________________________________

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.