Nikos Androulakis: Government Measures Are Like Painkillers, Not Solutions

In direct confrontation with the government on all current issues, Nikos Androulakis, president of PASOK, likened the government’s measures for pensioners and rental subsidies to painkillers rather than real solutions. Speaking in an interview, he criticized the government’s communication strategy, stating that sudden announcements of funds not previously budgeted are politically motivated rather than substantively financial. Androulakis emphasized that while some allowances may be necessary, they do not address structural problems such as housing, healthcare, education, or living costs. He argued that the government takes large surpluses from one pocket through excessive taxation and gives back only a small fraction via these temporary measures. The leader of PASOK noted that this approach was condemned by Kyriakos Mitsotakis himself just a few years ago. Furthermore, Androulakis stressed that while he does not oppose policies that provide relief, they ultimately fail to solve the underlying issues. Additionally, he expressed frustration when proposals with smaller fiscal impacts are labeled as populism when suggested by opposition parties but hailed as major solutions when proposed by the ruling party. Moving forward, PASOK plans to intensify its opposition, highlighting how government policies undermine the welfare state that has historically supported Greece during crises. Meanwhile, Charilaou Trikoupis members are developing proposals regarding private debt, tax reform, and railway reorganization, preparing campaigns aimed at young workers and women in the private sector.