Greek Parliament Approves 2025 Budget Amid Political Maneuvering

07:26 16/12/2024 - Πηγή: iEfimerida

Greece’s parliament has approved the 2025 state budget with 159 votes in favor.

The approval, which exceeded the parliamentary strength of the ruling New Democracy party, highlighted political shifts as independent lawmakers joined the government’s ranks in supporting

the fiscal plan.

Out of 298 MPs present, 139 voted against the budget. 

Lefteris Avgenakis, a former ND member who was expelled from the party, cast his vote in favor of the budget. 

He was joined by three former members of the Spartans party— Charis Katsivardas, Giorgos Aspiotis, and Michalis Gavgiotakis—who also backed the government’s proposal. Their support helped secure the necessary majority in a session marked by notable absences and abstentions.

Former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras did not attend the vote, while Mr. Marios Salmas abstained from the overall vote but supported specific budget articles.

The budget includes robust allocations for defense, an area where bipartisan support was evident. A significant majority of 258 MPs approved the defense spending proposals, with 41 voting against. 

The electronic, roll-call voting process separated revenue and expenditure items for each ministry.

The parliamentary debate, spanning five days, concluded with speeches from Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and leaders of the opposition. 

In his closing remarks, Mr. Mitsotakis announced measures aimed at improving financial fairness, including the elimination of charges on basic banking transactions and a cap on fees for electronic money transfers.

These measures, he said, reflect the government’s commitment to balancing economic stability with social equity. 

While New Democracy hailed the budget as a step toward sustained growth, opposition parties, including Syriza and Pasok, criticized it for insufficient action on inflation and economic inequality.

The 2025 budget marks a critical moment for the government as it seeks to bolster public confidence and deliver on promises of financial reform. Further details on the implementation of banking measures and other policies are expected in the coming weeks.

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