Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has promised that the monthly minimum wage in Greece will rise above 950 euros before the next general election during a political tour of Kozani in Western Macedonia.
Speaking to residents in Kozani, Mitsotakis stated that national fiscal figures are performing better than expected, allowing the government to lock in the economic measures. He recalled his 2023 commitment to raise the baseline salary to 950 euros, adding that he could now state with certainty that the final figure will surpass that target prior to the vote.
The visit to the northern Greek region comes just one week before Mitsotakis is scheduled to appear at the annual Thessaloniki International Fair. During the tour, the prime minister sought to highlight his ruling New Democracy party's governance model, which he stressed relies on administrative reliability and regional development.
Pushing back against opposition criticism over his government's decarbonisation strategy, Mitsotakis defended his decision to phase out lignite coal power in Western Macedonia. He acknowledged initial local skepticism but said the community would benefit because funding has been secured to create more new jobs than those lost, ensuring a positive final balance for the area.
Minimum wage pledge and political strategy
Mitsotakis called on voters in Kozani to choose New Democracy for stability and progress rather than opposition parties that lack a clear plan for the future. He argued that political rivals are following outdated party practices and share only the common goal of removing his government from office.
Mitsotakis has served as prime minister of Greece since 2019 as leader of the centre-right New Democracy party, winning a second term in 2023. Western Macedonia, centered around the regional hub of Kozani, has traditionally formed the heart of Greece's heavy industry and coal-fired electricity generation.
The prime minister's visit forms part of a broader political effort ahead of the Thessaloniki International Fair, Greece's premier economic forum held every September. Government officials said this year's event will mark a review of New Democracy's seven years in power and its consistency in meeting pledges, as well as setting out a strategic roadmap for the country's future.
Nationwide tour schedule before upcoming elections
The Thessaloniki International Fair in Greece's second-largest city traditionally serves as the primary stage where prime ministers announce major fiscal policies, economic forecasts, and legislative priorities for the upcoming year.
According to aides to the prime minister, the tour of Western Macedonia will serve as the template for a dense schedule of nationwide visits across Greece leading up to the parliamentary elections. Government strategists aim to demonstrate that policy decisions are being executed according to a structured plan.
Prime ministerial aides added that Mitsotakis will travel extensively to address citizens directly, hear local concerns, and outline specific development plans for individual towns. The ruling party intends to focus on building trust by delivering tangible results rather than making uncosted political promises.
