Greeks See Country as Most Unjust in Europe, Survey Finds

A vast majority of Greeks perceive their country as unjust, with deep dissatisfaction over wealth distribution and economic policies, according to a new survey by the Eteron Institute. The "Economic Justice" study revealed that 80.4% of respondents characterize Greece as an unjust nation, an increase from 74.5% in 2021. Furthermore, 84% believe injustices in Greece are more pronounced compared to other European countries. The findings indicate a strong public demand for greater state intervention in the economy. Nearly half (48.9%) favor an economic system leaning towards state planning and intervention, while 41.6% prefer a free-market model. This sentiment is further reflected in the call for fiscal fairness, with 61.9% supporting higher taxes on high incomes and wealth to bolster public services and reduce inequality. A striking 86.5% agreed that taxes on the wealthy should increase for the sake of tax justice and support for the vulnerable. Personal economic dissatisfaction is also high, with 63.4% of citizens unhappy with their financial situation, up from 57.3% in 2021. The perception that wealth is unfairly distributed, favoring entrepreneurs over workers, is held by 81.9% of respondents. Additionally, 82.2% believe current government policy primarily benefits large corporations. The survey also highlighted a strong preference for public control over essential social goods. Public oversight is favored in education (90.8%), water supply (90.4%), health (90.2%), social security and health insurance (87.8%), energy (77.5%), and land transportation (72.3%). Even in the banking sector, 54.4% support primarily public control. Air transport was the only sector where a majority (56.8%) opted for private sector involvement. The economic pressure is palpable in the workplace, with low wages and high housing costs identified as top social injustices. The study underscores a widespread feeling among Greeks that wage earners and pensioners disproportionately bear the tax burden.