Far from delivering a “technocratic” speech filled with numbers, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis used the budget vote platform yesterday to make a political statement. He presented a series of pro-popular measures aimed at addressing societal concerns while advancing the political agenda of New Democracy.

A key element of his address was a major intervention targeting abusive bank charges. This step, widely welcomed by the public, was accompanied by two additional initiatives aimed at critical voter groups for New Democracy: the exemption of low-income pensioners from pharmaceutical expenses under the EKAS framework and the introduction of a danger allowance for uniformed personnel, set to begin in 2026.

Banking Reforms with a Legislative Punch

“Budget, above all, means realism, supported by resources aligned with promises,” Mitsotakis remarked, channeling the pragmatism of realpolitik. With improving macroeconomic indicators, the prime minister leveraged the opportunity to announce measures with a direct impact on citizens’ lives. Among these, addressing excessive banking fees—an issue of daily frustration for both individuals and businesses—was a strategic move.

Acknowledging criticism over delays in tackling this matter, Mitsotakis opted for decisive action, announcing a legislative framework to address complaints from commercial bank customers. The intervention is part of a broader package of measures, including an additional property tax for banks under the 2026 ENFIA, which will amount to approximately €300 million. Mitsotakis argued that extraordinary taxation of banks, as proposed by PASOK, would be ineffective given the EU’s fiscal spending limits, which restrict the allocation of such revenues to societal needs.

Support for Pensioners and First Responders

As previously reported by THEMA, the government had been exploring interventions outside the core budget framework. One of these measures addresses a long-standing grievance of over 300,000 low-income pensioners who were previously excluded from pharmaceutical expense exemptions under EKAS. By removing this cost burden, the government aims to correct an injustice affecting a demographic that includes many New Democracy voters.

For uniformed personnel, Mitsotakis announced the introduction of a long-awaited danger allowance, addressing a persistent demand from first responders. Following years of pay cuts and bonus eliminations, this measure—estimated at €500-600 annually—will be implemented starting in 2026. The government intends to finalize technical details in the coming months, signaling its commitment to addressing the concerns of these workers while balancing fiscal constraints.

Boosting Party Morale

Mitsotakis’ speech was a morale booster for New Democracy MPs, evident in the enthusiastic applause and smiles during his address. His additional announcements followed questions and interventions raised by parliamentary group members, showing responsiveness to their concerns. For instance, Messinia MP Miltos Chrysomallis had previously highlighted the issue of low-income pensioners, and several MPs had advocated for the concerns of uniformed personnel.

By addressing these issues, Mitsotakis reinforced the importance of parliamentary input and sought to restore intra-party unity following recent turbulence. His emphasis on meaningful interventions signals a strategic effort to consolidate support within New Democracy while delivering tangible benefits to key voter groups.