Marcopoulos: 13th pension and salary for public employees not foreseen

Greece's Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance, Dimitris Marcopoulos, has firmly denied any government plans to reinstate a 13th pension or a 13th salary for public sector employees. He clarified that such proposals are not part of any government strategy and significantly exceed the Greek economy's limits, posing a risk to fiscal balance.

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We are clearly stating that we must be fiscally stable and balanced.

Marcopoulos stressed the government's obligation to maintain fiscal stability and balance. He pointed to the government's efforts to support pensioners, stating they have received more assistance than ever before and will continue to do so. He recalled specific measures, such as the 300-euro payment that benefited 85% of retirees and cost 560 million euros, as well as a cumulative 16% increase in pensions from 2023 to the present.

Looking ahead, Marcopoulos announced that an additional 700 million euros will be allocated from early next year, based on inflation and GDP performance. He also referenced the substantial package announced at the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), described as one of the largest and most generous in recent years, amounting to 1.7 billion euros. He reiterated that a 13th pension or salary is not foreseen, as it would incur an additional burden of 4 billion euros – 2.5 billion for pensions and 1.5 billion for public employee salaries.

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We are not planning to give a 13th pension or a 13th salary to the Public Sector as it would result in an additional burden of 4 billion euros – 2.5 billion for pensions and 1.5 billion for the additional salary.

The minister urged caution, emphasizing that Greece's economic data are specific and the Greek people should not face further economic hardships. He stated that improving the lives of pensioners remains a priority, but warned against focusing solely on measures for specific social groups, which could neglect other vital sectors. Marcopoulos also acknowledged Greece's demographic challenges and the need to support freelancers and private sector employees, stressing the importance of realistic and cost-effective policies.

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We must be careful as the data of the Greek economy are specific and because the Greek people must not get into trouble again.