Greece is facing a nationwide strike as workers from both public and private sectors protest soaring living costs. Unions are demanding “dignified wages” amid rising inflation and high housing costs. The 24-hour strike is expected to disrupt government services, schools, hospitals, and public transport across the country.
Union leaders accuse the government of failing to tackle the cost of living crisis, which has left many Greeks struggling. With wages stagnating, low-income workers are forced to survive on a minimum wage of under €900 a month, despite high costs for basic necessities like housing.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has pledged to raise the minimum wage to €950, but critics argue this is insufficient to address the broader issue. Housing costs, in particular, continue to rise, exacerbating the financial pressure on workers and deepening inequality.
The strike contrasts with Greece’s recent economic progress, as the country has posted strong growth and received praise for fiscal reforms. Greece’s economy is expected to grow by 2.1% in 2024, and unemployment has fallen to its lowest rate in 20 years.
Despite these improvements, many Greeks feel disconnected from the recovery. Political analysts suggest the government has failed to address the real-life struggles of its citizens, as many continue to face financial hardship despite the nation’s economic rebound.
