{"id":11473,"date":"2026-06-18T12:26:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-18T09:26:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.tomanifesto.gr\/?p=11473"},"modified":"2026-06-18T12:26:00","modified_gmt":"2026-06-18T09:26:00","slug":"pavlos-marinakis-the-masks-have-come-off-for-those-who-voted-against-the-report-on-turkey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/en.tomanifesto.gr\/?p=11473","title":{"rendered":"Pavlos Marinakis: The masks have come off for those who voted against the report on Turkey"},"content":{"rendered":"

Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis<\/strong> presented the government\u2019s initiatives regarding the European agenda, the European Parliament<\/strong> resolution on Turkey<\/strong>, measures to address inflation<\/strong>, consumer protection, measures in education<\/strong>, and the new \u201cTourism for All 2026\u20132027\u201d<\/strong> program. <\/p>\n

Mitsotakis in Brussels – Message on Turkey and the European agenda <\/h3>\n

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis<\/strong> is in Brussels<\/strong> for the European Council<\/strong> summit, where he is participating as the keynote speaker at a high-level event on the topic \u201cGreece\u2019s National Social Agreement: A European Model for Social Dialogue.\u201d <\/p>\n

The event is taking place following the signing of the National Social Agreement<\/strong> in late November 2025 by all national social partners, representatives of workers and employers. According to the government, the agreement paved the way for new and expanded collective bargaining agreements<\/strong>, leading to wage increases<\/strong> and stronger protections for workers. <\/p>\n

The agenda for the Summit of the 27 includes the new Multiannual Financial Framework 2028\u20132034<\/strong>, global macroeconomic developments, Ukraine<\/strong>, the Middle East<\/strong>, as well as European defense<\/strong> and security<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

Greece\u2019s position is that the European Union\u2019s heightened strategic ambitions must be accompanied by a correspondingly ambitious European budget<\/strong>. At the same time, Athens insists on maintaining funding for Cohesion<\/strong> and the Common Agricultural Policy<\/strong>, as well as on preventing the widening of development disparities between member states and regions. <\/p>\n

Regarding European defense<\/strong>, the Prime Minister is expected to reiterate his support for a \u201c360-degree\u201d approach that would cover all threats to the European continent. <\/p>\n

Regarding the Middle East<\/strong>, Greece supports de-escalation and a diplomatic solution, while welcoming the latest developments and emphasizing the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz<\/strong> and fully restoring freedom of navigation. <\/p>\n

In the European Parliament\u2019s resolution on the Report on Turkey: The masks have come off; others speak of appeasement and voted against it<\/h3>\n

The government spokesperson made special mention of the recent European Parliament resolution on Turkey<\/strong>, arguing that it confirms the effectiveness of Greek foreign policy. <\/p>\n

\u201cThe masks have come off<\/strong> because, once again, those who believe that the government\u2019s foreign policy is one of appeasement or that the country is isolated have been proven wrong,\u201d said Pavlos Marinakis. <\/p>\n

As he noted, the report by the relevant committee of the European Parliament<\/strong> on Turkey \u201cvalidates the Greek positions<\/strong>,\u201d noting that MEPs from New Democracy<\/strong> and PASOK<\/strong> voted in favor of the report. <\/p>\n

On the other hand, according to the government spokesperson, the Freedom Movement<\/strong>, Niki<\/strong>, and the Patriots<\/strong> European parliamentary group, of which Aphrodite Latinopoulou<\/strong> is a member. <\/p>\n

\u201cThere are pseudo-patriots who, when the time comes to face reality, stand aside. They peddle empty patriotism, and when the time comes, they back down,\u201d he remarked pointedly. <\/p>\n

Referring to the debate on constitutional reform<\/strong>, Mr. Marinakis described the amendment of Article 16<\/strong> as necessary, noting that this is a reform that \u201cis decades overdue.\u201d <\/p>\n

As he stated, the revision should, at a minimum, allow for the operation of private universities<\/strong>, so that \u201cevery child in the country has the right to study at a private university.\u201d <\/p>\n

PosoKanei: Accurate price comparisons for 10,000 products <\/h3>\n

Special mention was made of the new digital app PosoKanei<\/strong>, through which citizens can search for and compare prices on approximately 10,000 products<\/strong> of general consumer goods available in supermarkets. <\/p>\n

\u201cThis is an important initiative that strengthens competition while also raising consumer awareness,\u201d the Prime Minister stated. <\/p>\n

The app allows users to search for products, compare prices by retail chain, create personal shopping lists, and calculate the actual cost of their shopping cart before visiting the store. <\/p>\n

The platform includes both brand-name products<\/strong> and private-label products<\/strong>, maintains a price history, and suggests more affordable alternatives for each product category. At the same time, where data is available, it provides comparisons with similar products in other European markets<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

Responding to criticism the government has faced regarding the new platform, the government spokesperson argued that PosoKanei<\/strong> is not presented as the sole solution to high prices, but as yet another tool in the hands of consumers. <\/p>\n

As he noted, tackling high prices<\/strong> requires a combination of policies, such as income increases<\/strong>, market oversight<\/strong>, and caps on profit margins<\/strong>, emphasizing that this is a \u201cdaily and difficult battle\u201d aimed at keeping prices as stable as possible. <\/p>\n

New framework for loans, with greater consumer protection <\/h3>\n

Pavlos Marinakis also referred to the Ministry of Development<\/strong> that has been put out for public consultation and aims to strengthen the protection of citizens against abusive and misleading practices. <\/p>\n

The new regulations concern consumer loans<\/strong>, renovation loans, and credit cards up to 100,000 euros<\/strong>, without real estate collateral. <\/p>\n

Under the new framework, contract terms must be presented with complete transparency<\/strong>, and banks will be required to clearly disclose interest rates, fees, charges, and potential risks. <\/p>\n

At the same time, the right to withdrawal<\/strong> within 14 days of signing the contract is clarified, without penalties and without the obligation to provide a reason. <\/p>\n

Of particular importance is the provision setting a cap on the Total Annual Effective Interest Rate (A.A.R.)<\/strong>, as well as the restrictions on increasing the principal amount during the repayment period. According to the government, the goal is a more fair<\/strong>, secure<\/strong>, and transparent<\/strong> lending framework. <\/p>\n

\u201cMarietta Giannakou\u201d Program \u201cMarietta Giannakou\u201d Program: Renovations at 238 Schools <\/h3>\n

Phase II of the \u201cMarietta Giannakou\u201d<\/strong>, which covers 238 schools and school complexes<\/strong> in 132 municipalities<\/strong> across the country. <\/p>\n

The work includes extensive maintenance and upgrades, with the goal of having the facilities fully operational before the start of the new school year. <\/p>\n

Starting in the 2026\u20132027<\/strong> school year, studies will begin for an additional 450 school facilities<\/strong>, while the overall goal is to upgrade 2,000 schools by 2029<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

As Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki<\/strong> emphasized, education concerns not only curricula and reforms, but also the infrastructure, classrooms, playgrounds, and creative spaces that students and teachers deserve. <\/p>\n

Tourism for All 2026\u20132027 – Expansion of eligible recipients and increased funding <\/h3>\n

The new program \u201cTourism for All 2026-2027\u201d<\/strong>, which expands the pool of eligible recipients, extends the program\u2019s duration, and provides enhanced support for people with disabilities<\/strong> and large families<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

The program will be implemented in two phases. The first will begin shortly and will be completed on June 30, 2027<\/strong>, while the second will begin in early 2027 and conclude on December 31, 2027<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

The grants range from 200 to 600 euros<\/strong>, while beneficiaries will be selected via an electronic lottery to ensure transparency and equal opportunities for participation. <\/p>\n

70% of the budget<\/strong> will be allocated to the months of October through April, supporting the extension of the tourist season<\/strong> and the development of local economies. <\/p>\n

A significant change is the expansion of the income criteria<\/strong> to include more middle-class households. At the same time, for the first time, individuals with a disability of 67% or higher, as well as families with children with disabilities, will be eligible to participate regardless of income. <\/p>\n

In addition, additional support of 50 euros<\/strong> is provided for each child from the fourth child onward in large families<\/strong>, reinforcing the program\u2019s social character. <\/p>\n

<\/h2><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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