Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced plans to introduce more than 2 billion euros ($2.3 billion) in new support measures before the country’s general election next year. These measures include tax cuts, salary increases, and benefits aimed at easing the financial burden on citizens. The announcement comes amid widespread public discontent over rising living costs, with thousands of people gathering in protests across the country. Mitsotakis emphasized that Greece has moved past economic stagnation and is now reaping the rewards of its recovery efforts. He stated that as the economy stabilizes, citizens can expect relief from high taxes, increased incomes, and bold reforms. The prime minister made these remarks during his annual address on the state of the economy in Thessaloniki, a northern Greek city. The event coincided with large-scale protests, with over 25,000 people participating in demonstrations organized by labor unions, according to police estimates. Protesters included farmers who drove tractors into the city center, highlighting their concerns about economic hardship. Over 3,000 police officers were deployed to manage the crowds and secure the area around the venue where Mitsotakis spoke, closing several streets and subway stations. Despite Greece’s recent economic progress, including a budget surplus and 2.1% growth in 2023, the country’s workers still face challenges. Greek workers have the lowest purchasing power in the European Union, meaning their wages do not keep up with rising prices. Yiannis Panagopoulos, leader of Greece’s largest labor union, GSEE, said that low wages and soaring prices have made affordability the most pressing issue for families. The proposed support measures aim to address these concerns by offering tax breaks to self-employed individuals, farmers, and rural residents, while also increasing salaries and benefits for retirees and public sector employees. Mitsotakis, 58, has led Greece since 2019, guiding the country out of a severe financial crisis. He is now seeking a third term in the election expected in April 2024. However, recent polls suggest that his center-right New Democracy party may not secure a majority in parliament. Meanwhile, the political event was overshadowed by a tragic incident earlier in the day: a fighter jet crashed during an air show near Athens, killing two pilots.