Over half the Greeks (52%) responded their economic condition was better in 2019 than today, compared to only 27% who said they were better off today compared to 2019, according to a Metron Analysis survey.
The findings are a blow to the government’s narrative of an economic “success story”, illustrating a clear divide between the struggling have-nots and the better-off strata in Greek society.
Greeks consistently rank the high cost of living (27%) and the economy (21%) as their most important issues.
Interestingly, the findings revealed that the dissatisfaction cut across all economic fields. Farmers reported a significantly higher sense of financial well-being in 2019, with 61% stating they were better off in 2019 compared to just 17% today.
The working class showed an even starker contrast, with 65% feeling better off in 2019 versus only 11% now. Similarly, small and medium-sized business owners reported greater financial comfort under SYRIZA, with 54% saying they were in a better position in 2019 compared to 24% today.
Even the middle class, which has been a focal point of criticism regarding SYRIZA’s economic policies, perceived itself as being in a better financial situation in 2019, with 49% stating they were more financially secure then compared to 31% today. The only group that appears largely unaffected by the current economic situation under the government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis is the upper class, where the difference is marginal (43% in 2019 versus 42% today).
Equally significant is the consistency across all age groups in the belief that 2019 offered greater financial security compared to the present. Among those aged 29-79, an overwhelming majority—ranging from 52% to 56%—felt they were in a better financial position in 2019, whereas only 19% to 33% believe they are better off today.
An even more unexpected finding indicated that 46% of respondents who identified as politically affiliated to the right also felt worse off today than in 2019 compared to 34% who said their economic condition was better today.
