Greece begins discussions on its 2025 state budget in Greek Parliament today, with the final vote scheduled for Sunday.
Unlike the drama in France that triggered a no-confidence motion against its government, no such turbulence is expected in Greece.
However, this year’s budget debate carries political significance, as it marks the first time since 2008 that New Democracy faces PASOK as the main opposition party.
At the same time, SYRIZA has, for the first time since 2012, lost its institutional role as the official opposition. The party has faced significant turmoil. Since the 2023 national elections, 21 SYRIZA MPs have left the party, Stefanos Kasselakis is no longer associated with SYRIZA, while Socrates Famellos has taken the helm as its elected president.
The number of independent MPs in Greek Parliament has risen to 24, and Stefanos Kasselakis’s allies suggest that a new parliamentary group under the “Democracy Movement” banner is in the works, though the necessary numbers are not yet in place.
When Will the Budget Be Voted On?
The debate begins Wednesday at 11 a.m., with the final vote on the state budget scheduled for Sunday at 9:30 p.m. Traditionally, opposition parties vote against the budget, though some make exceptions for defense expenditures.
In the related parliamentary committee, New Democracy voted in favor of the budget, while PASOK opposed it -except for defense spending. Other opposition parties voted against, with NIKI and the Spartans expressing reservations.
The debate will start with general party rapporteurs, followed by the Finance Minister and parliamentary representatives. A long list of speakers, including MPs and party leaders, is expected. Party leaders are scheduled to speak on Sunday, though minor opposition parties may address Parliament earlier.
On Sunday, a key moment will be the face-off between Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and PASOK President Nikos Androulakis, who will address Parliament as the official opposition leader for the first time. According to the schedule, speeches will follow the reverse order of parliamentary strength, with an intervention by Kostis Hatzidakis expected between the Prime Minister and the PASOK leader.
Government Focus on Tax Reductions
Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis highlighted the broader context of the budget, stating, “Greece is growing at a rate multiple times higher than the eurozone average. Combined with initiatives to curb tax evasion, which now yield tangible results, state revenues are increasing without raising any tax rates.”
He also noted key measures in the budget: “The government continues to support citizens’ income growth with 12 new tax reductions, including the abolition of the business tax levy, a 1-point reduction in social security contributions, exemption from health insurance taxes for children up to 18 years old, and a flat tax rate of 22% on doctors’ on-call fees.”
