Course of Freedom party president Zoi Konstantopoulou criticized the Greek government in parliament over its refusal to restore public sector salaries while prepaying national debt.
Speaking during a debate on a Ministry of Labour and Social Security bill, Konstantopoulou stated that restoring the 13th and 14th month salaries for public sector workers would cost 2.1 billion euros annually, based on calculations by the General Accounting Office of the State. The legislation under discussion is titled Strengthening occupational insurance: More options for workers and businesses, expanding options for supplementary pension savings.
In Greece, the 13th and 14th month salaries historically provided public sector workers with annual holiday and summer bonuses before being reduced during economic austerity measures. The General Accounting Office of the State acts as the official government body tasked with assessing fiscal costs and evaluating legislative budgets.
Addressing government representatives, Konstantopoulou argued that ministers provide no public funds for workers in either the private or public sector while using the pretext of lacking fiscal space. She contrasted this policy with a presidential decree published in the Government Gazette that granted a special bonus exclusively to employees of the Presidency of the Republic.
Konstantopoulou emphasized that while the administration claims it cannot afford 2.1 billion euros for public sector wages and much smaller amounts for 13th and 14th month pensions, it managed to allocate 49 billion euros for the early repayment of debt. She described the sum as an unowed debt that the government failed to challenge when it was obligated to do so.
Government Spending and Party Debt
Targeting the prime minister, Konstantopoulou questioned his presentation as a responsible financial manager who prepays debt that burdens Greek citizens without belonging to them. She asked why he had not taken similar action regarding 600 million euros in debt owed by the ruling New Democracy party, describing him as a defaulter operating in agreement with commercial banks.
Konstantopoulou, a former Speaker of the Hellenic Parliament and founder of the left-wing Course of Freedom party, has consistently targeted ruling party spending and debt governance. New Democracy is Greece's governing conservative political party, which has faced scrutiny from opposition groups concerning its political party loans.
Addressing Minister of Labour and Social Security Niki Kerameus directly, Konstantopoulou declared that the government should be certain Course of Freedom would not display tolerance, complicity, or silence. She added that her party was present in parliament specifically to speak out on behalf of citizens.
Ministerial Proposals and Opposition Business
During the parliamentary proceedings, Minister of Labour and Social Security Niki Kerameus defended the government proposal, stating that the occupational insurance bill provides key benefits for insured citizens, businesses, and the national economy.
In other parliamentary business, Member of Parliament S. Kalafatis highlighted local infrastructure progress, noting that the extension of the Metro system to Kalamaria improves daily commuting for residents.
Deputy Minister Th. Kontogeorgis outlined regional policy goals, describing a systematic and productive government presence in regional areas designed to strengthen local infrastructure and development.
Additionally, opposition representative Rena Dourou expressed categorical support for Elena Akrita, sending a clear message to New Democracy regarding nominations for the vice-presidency of the Hellenic Parliament.
