ABSTENTION. Pollsters expect the largest abstention ever recorded in the next elections, a fact that is causing embarrassment to old and new parties.
Members of parliament describe the phenomenon in darker colors. At gatherings and around tables they find that even party officials did not vote in the last elections, nor do they intend to go to the ballot box.
This development works to the benefit of the first party, which is New Democracy, as it is estimated to have a fairly large percentage that is considered “concrete”.
As they say in the Parliament café, if something significant does not intervene before the elections that will motivate the electorate, the polling percentages currently shown by the parties of Alexis Tsipras and Maria Karystianou will not be recorded at the ballot box.
Another impressive element appearing this time is that abstention now appears as the “first party” and not “no one”. In fact, it is not the younger ages that are taking the lead, as used to happen in the past. The refusal to vote has taken hold among those in their 30s and older.
It is the so-called “couch party” that appears to be... the sure winner.
ALPHA BANK: Today the bank’s new Business Collective Labor Agreement comes into effect, providing for a minimum monthly salary of 1,600 euros.
Beyond the wage upgrade, the new agreement introduces one of the most comprehensive benefits frameworks in the banking sector, with emphasis on supporting young employees and their families.
The (long) list includes, among other things, a savings program for employees’ children, with a monthly contribution from the bank, a childbirth and adoption allowance of 3,000 euros, and a one-off support payment of 2,000 euros for employees’ children who are admitted to universities more than 100 km away from their place of residence.
It also includes a protection mechanism for employees’ housing loans against rising interest rates and more favorable terms for personal financing.
SUNLIGHT: The group’s financial results did not go unnoticed in the market. Not only because the company returned to profitability and increased its EBITDA to 121.1 million euros from 102.5 million euros in 2024, but mainly because they confirm that it is in a growth phase, in one of the most strategic sectors of the next decade.
Energy storage is gradually being transformed from a complementary technology into a basic prerequisite for the further development of Renewable Energy Sources and electricity grids.
Within this environment, Sunlight continues to strengthen its production and technological footprint, making investments of 123.7 million last year in Greece, Europe and the USA.
Those who closely follow the sector estimate that the company’s next moves will be of particular interest...
SEANERGY: In the shipping market, the course of the Nasdaq-listed company of Stamatis Tsantanis, which in recent years has consistently pursued a strategy of exclusive specialization in Capesize-type vessels, appears to be attracting increasing interest.
This choice seems to be confirmed today, as the company has established itself among the largest listed pure-play Capesize companies internationally.
At the same time, it continues the renewal of its fleet through an investment program approaching half a billion dollars, investing in modern eco-design vessels.
With the market fundamentals remaining supportive and demand for basic raw materials, such as bauxite, iron ore and coal, remaining steady, several analysts estimate that the Capesize market, as well as companies with a specialized presence in the sector, have significant growth prospects.