The streets of Athens were quieter than usual today as ships remained docked, and railway and bus services came to a halt. A nationwide strike brought together transport workers, hospital doctors, school teachers, and construction workers. Their unified voice was raised against the financial struggles plaguing ordinary Greeks and their demand for higher wages.
Here’s a breakdown of the situation:
- Background: During the 2009-2018 debt crisis, Greece underwent significant economic turmoil. Many Greeks had to endure severe wage cuts and pension reductions in exchange for bailout packages worth billions of euros. The country struggled to stay afloat and avoid being forced out of the eurozone.
- Current Government Actions: The Greek economy has been on the path to recovery since 2018. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ government has made efforts to improve the minimum wage, increasing it to 830 euros per month. However, this is still below the European average, and many Greeks find it insufficient to cover rising costs of living, including energy, food, and housing expenses.
- Worker’s Grievances: The largest private sector union in Greece, GSEE, representing 2.5 million workers, highlighted the urgent need for substantial pay raises. They pointed fingers at oligopolies for driving up the prices of essential goods through unethical practices. Workers are struggling to make ends meet, facing what is described as an unprecedented cost-of-living crisis.
- Government Response: Mitsotakis acknowledged the need for further improvements in wages and GDP per capita. He also called upon the EU to address the disparities in power prices, which leave Greeks paying more than their European counterparts.
As the strike unfolded, workers were expected to make their voices heard in central Athens in a display of solidarity and determination.
In the midst of these protests, the government is set to present its final 2025 budget to parliament. The budget forecasts economic growth of 2.3% for the next year, fueled by increasing tax revenues from digital transactions and property sales.
It is evident that the economic landscape of Greece is changing, but the challenges faced by its citizens remain pressing. As the country strives for continued progress, it is crucial to address the concerns of the workforce and ensure that the benefits of recovery are shared equitably. A fair and sustainable future for all Greeks should be the ultimate goal.
