Greece’s parliament on Tuesday approved the 2026 state budget, projecting 2.4% economic growth, as thousands of public sector workers staged a 24‑hour strike demanding higher pay and stronger anti‑inflation measures.
The budget passed with 159 votes in favor and 136 against in the 300‑seat chamber, with 295 lawmakers participating. Outside parliament and in cities across the country, teachers, healthcare workers and mayors joined protests calling for more funding for public services.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the budget aims to support households and businesses while maintaining fiscal stability. He cited tax cuts and income increases above inflation as tools to boost purchasing power, adding that improved indicators allow redistribution of gains after years of fiscal discipline following the 2009‑2018 debt crisis.
The plan forecasts inflation easing to 2.2% in 2026 from 2.6% this year, unemployment falling to 8.6% from 9.1% in 2025, and public debt dropping to 138.2% of GDP from 145.9%. Mitsotakis announced the minimum wage will rise to €950 ($1,116) next year, the fifth increase since 2021, and pledged housing subsidies, tighter rules on short‑term rentals and incentives for affordable housing investment.
Despite the measures, discontent persisted. Protesters expressed solidarity with farmers who have blocked roads for weeks seeking more state support. Mitsotakis said aid would be provided within fiscal limits.