Dimitris Markopoulos announced new relief measures, 72 installments, expanded benefits, support for debtors, criticism of the opposition, and also spoke about Samaras’s party
The government’s new package of economic measures is in full swing, aimed at boosting incomes, supporting debtors, and addressing the housing crisis, as stated by Deputy Minister of Finance Dimitris Markopoulos in an interview with ERT News. He spoke of a “holistic plan” rather than piecemeal interventions, while responding to the opposition’s criticism regarding the ineffectiveness of government measures.
Aid for retirees and renters
Mr. Markopoulos emphasized that the bill completes a series of significant measures implemented in recent months, focusing on pensioners, renters, and workers.
As he noted, the measures for retirees amount to 560 million euros, with a subsidy of 300 euros, while the income criteria for rental rebates are being expanded, covering approximately 70,000 additional tenants. In total, these measures affect more than one million citizens.
At the same time, he announced new initiatives regarding short-term rentals, noting that in certain areas, the expansion of Airbnb-style accommodations has reached up to 60%, affecting citizens’ access to housing.
Out-of-court settlement, 72 installments and loans in Swiss francs
A central element of the bill is the new debt settlement plan in up to 72 installments, combined with the further strengthening of the out-of-court mechanism.
The deputy minister argued that the data refute those who claim the measure has failed, characterizing such reports as “fake news.” According to the data he presented, there was a 65% increase in enrollments in May 2026 compared to 2025, while 62,000 cases have already been enrolled, with total settlements amounting to 19 billion euros.
The package also includes the lifting of foreclosures under certain conditions and an increase in the exemption threshold to 1,600 euros.
Referring to loans in Swiss francs, he announced that the relevant settlement program is being extended until September 30, due to increased interest from borrowers. As he said, thousands of citizens have already enrolled, with the participation rate approaching 50% of those who have taken steps in this direction.
Message regarding the 13th pension, Tsipras and Samaras
Mr. Markopoulos argued that government policy is based on the continuous boosting of incomes, citing the 83 tax cuts, of which 36 will take effect after 2023, as well as increases in the minimum wage. Regarding retirees, he noted that total increases since 2019 exceed 20%.
Regarding inflation, he estimated that the easing observed in certain indicators, such as oil prices, will gradually filter down into citizens’ daily lives.
Responding to the opposition’s proposals to reinstate the 13th pension and the 13th month’s salary for public sector employees, he argued that these are fiscally unrealistic options. As he noted, the 13th pension costs approximately 2.5 billion euros and the 13th salary 1.5 billion euros, for a total of 4 billion euros, an amount that far exceeds last year’s TIF package, which totaled 1.7 billion euros.
At the same time, he launched a fierce attack on the opposition, speaking of economic populism and a lack of a comprehensive plan, while also referring to Alexis Tsipras, arguing that a clear economic program and a dedicated team are needed.
Finally, commenting on the scenarios regarding the establishment of a new political party by Antonis Samaras, he described him as an “exceptional prime minister,” but expressed his disagreement with such a prospect, noting that it would be “a mistake given his historical trajectory”. At the same time, he took a dig at figures in his inner circle, arguing that their choices have led him into political isolation.
