By Penelope Galliou

It was about a month and a half ago, in mid-July, when the prime minister, giving an interview to the main SKAI news bulletin, had foreshadowed the “provision” of this year’s TEFhastening to clarify that he will disappoint those who may expect him to be an “early Santa Claus” who will hand out money that the state does not have.

This climate is still reflected by all government officials in view of the countdown that starts today for his speech Kyriakou Mitsotakis on Saturday from the platform of the TIF, avoiding to cultivate great expectations, but respectively to underline the targeted and intense social footprint that the prime minister’s announcements will include.

The adherence to fiscal discipline and stability of the country is the main driver of the government initiatives, according to government sources, while the final decision of the Commission – within the current week – to give the green light to increase our country’s spending for 2025.

In any case, the measures and announcements, according to information, will move along four main axes concerning housing and demographics, health, education and support for vulnerable social groups.

In particular, among the measures that are expected to be announced but have not yet been finalized, are the “My Home II” Program which will concern the expansion of the limits of the program both in terms of income criteria and in terms of the age of the beneficiaries (for beneficiaries aged 30-49), while expanded income criteria will also apply (up to 40,000 euros). In the same context, facilities for finding houses and for rent are also expected, through the “renovate – rent” programs, interventions in short-term leases and social benefits.

Demography is also high on the government’s agenda, with the government seeking, through a package of interventions, to support the family and enable young couples to plan the day ahead more easily through new increased benefits and tax relief. In addition, interest is also focused on the possibility of equalizing triplets with those with many children

Pension and employment will occupy a large part of the prime minister’s speech given the references to pensions which will increase from 1 January 2025 by 2.5-3% based on the new wage index. A reduction in the burden on pensioners from the solidarity levy is also expected, as well as the extraordinary personal difference allowance for low-income pensioners, who will receive none or a small part of the 2.5%-3% increase in their earnings from January 1, 2025.

In the labor sector, the government places particular emphasis on the critical health sectors, where the further income enhancement of its employees is considered YOUhowever, keeping the method and type of support a top secret. And in education, however, the interventions will continue both at the level of reforms for the operation of the schools and also by strengthening the staff with the new recruitments.

Changes are also expected in the method and amount of the unemployment benefit that will be linked to the wages and insurance years of the employees.

In any case, placing particular emphasis on everyday life and its relief for the citizens, the Prime Minister from the TIF stage is expected to broadcast the message of continuous effort and effective work, which is not limited and does not stop at a TIF stage, but the government policy has a four-year horizon and will unfold in its entirety by the end of the four-year period, in 2027, implementing its commitments.