The social and tax measures introduced by the Ministry of National Economy and Finance to support citizens in 2027 secured very broad parliamentary majorities, far exceeding the strength of the New Democracy, parliamentary group, government sources said.
They said 14 of the 17 articles put to a roll-call vote received up to 244 votes in favour, confirming broad parliamentary support for measures that cut taxes, boost incomes and support families, workers and communities across Greece.
In particular, Article 4, on tax relief for families with three children and farmers, received 244 “YES” votes; Article 28, on the Christmas bonus for public sector employees, received 240 “YES” votes; and Article 15, on exemption from ENFIA property tax in small settlements, received 239 “YES” votes.
Article 21, on reducing social security contributions; Article 22, on adjusting disability benefits; Article 23, on increasing the birth grant; and Article 25, on a financial incentive to settle in and remain in the Municipality of Megisti each received 239 “YES” votes.
Article 9 followed with 223 “YES” votes, covering limits on the deemed income of taxi operators and tax relief for businesses in small settlements. Article 8 received 222 “YES” votes, covering the removal of surcharges on the minimum deemed income of tax-compliant professionals and an exemption for underage taxi operators.
Article 20, on extending eligibility for annual financial support to vulnerable social groups, and Article 51, on the rules for filing amended property declarations, each received 215 “YES” votes.
According to the same sources, Article 14 also won broad parliamentary support, with 198 votes in favour, as did Article 16, with 197, and Article 7, with 186.
The government thanked the opposition parties and MPs who supported these provisions, helping to secure strong parliamentary majorities for measures that boost incomes, reduce tax burdens and support families.
Criticism of PASOK’s stance
In the same bill covering measures announced at the Thessaloniki International Fair, PASOK ended up voting in favour of 11 of the 17 articles put to a roll-call vote by New Democracy, while declaring “PRESENT” on three others.
Of all the provisions put to a roll-call vote, PASOK chose to vote against only those concerning the children’s “savings pot”, the new Individual Investment Account for Minors, a scheme designed to build savings for the next generation. This political choice raises legitimate questions, particularly from a party that constantly invokes equal opportunities and the need to support young people.
On the bill’s remaining 36 articles, its votes were perfectly balanced: 16 “YES”, 16 “NO” and 4 “PRESENT”. A dead heat, with not one extra “YES” or one fewer “NO”.
Two bills in a matter of days, and the same political paradox. The louder PASOK’s opposition gets, the more “YES” votes it casts, the same sources concluded.