World News
Greece pledges tax breaks and wage increases amid widespread street protests
The government unveiled economic relief measures ahead of elections as tens of thousands rallied against living costs.
The short version
- Greece's conservative government announced tax breaks and salary hikes ahead of next year's general election.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- More than 25,000 protesters gathered in Thessaloniki, according to police estimates, driven by soaring prices and the European Union's lowest worker purchasing power.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- Polling indicates the ruling New Democracy party may struggle to win an outright parliamentary majority in the upcoming vote.[ABC News · Associated Press]
Key facts
- Greece's conservative government promised tax cuts and pay increases ahead of a general election scheduled for next year.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- Police estimated that over 25,000 people took part in union-led rallies in Thessaloniki to protest high living costs.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- Greek workers recorded the lowest purchasing power in the European Union, even though the country ran a budget surplus and logged 2.1% growth last year.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- A fighter jet crash near Athens killed two air force pilots several hours before the economic address.[ABC News · Associated Press]
What remains uncertain
- Opinion polls suggest the governing New Democracy party may fall short of securing a governing majority in parliament in the next election.[ABC News · Associated Press]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- Greeks promised tax relief, wage hikes as protesters take to the streets over cost of living crunchAssociated Press · Wire: associated-press
- Greeks promised tax relief, wage hikes as protesters take to the streets over cost of living crunchABC News - International