The government's plan promises growth through tax cuts, wage hikes and investments – but for many ordinary Greeks, struggling with stagnant wages and skyrocketing living costs, these promises feel out of reach. CGTN's Evangelo Sipsas reports from Athens.
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00:00It is early in the morning. Vassilis has just arrived at work.
00:05As a transit operator, the first order of business is to check his bus,
00:10making sure it's clean and safe so that his passengers can feel secure,
00:15a feeling that has been missing for him.
00:18Our job is difficult. I have to manage a lot of people for eight hours,
00:23with their problems and their stress.
00:25Many that ride the bus struggle to make it through the month.
00:28This is the reality, and I share the same feeling as them.
00:31It's not a good feeling.
00:34And even as the annual budget is being debated,
00:37with proposals that aim to boost income and cut taxes,
00:41Vassilis feels that changes don't address his needs.
00:47I went yesterday to the supermarket and I bought diapers for my kid,
00:51a week's worth of milk for my three-year-old, and toilet paper,
00:56This is absurd. And what did I buy? Nothing.
01:01The budget debate kicks off on Wednesday, with the final vote set for Sunday.
01:06The government is aiming for a 2.3% growth rate next year,
01:11underpinned by tourism, consumer spending and investments.
01:16The plan also promises pension increases, tax cuts and wage hikes,
01:21much-needed relief for households feeling the pinch.
01:24But critics aren't convinced.
01:26They see the rising cost of living will eat up any benefits,
01:30leaving everyday workers with little to show for.
01:35The major social issue is this.
01:38Greece ranks third in business growth and profitability,
01:41particularly among large corporations.
01:44Yet this wealth does not trickle down to small businesses or the average citizen.
01:49We rank second in declining purchasing power,
01:52and third in stagnant wage growth.
01:55There's no denying that there's a gap between corporate profits
01:59and the financial struggle of everyday Greeks.
02:02No wonder why people have come out to protest,
02:05demanding policies that would actually put money in their wallets.
02:09In response, the Greek government has rolled out a budget proposal
02:13to target these issues head-on, with targeted investments and reforms.
02:20The proposed budget boosts spending by 3.7% of GDP,
02:24focusing on health, education and defence, addressing past gaps.
02:28Rising tax revenues from reduced invasion and political stability
02:32have improved Greece's economic climate,
02:34offering a rare sense of progress and stability, essential for growth.
02:39As parliament debates, Vassilis' story reflects the struggles of many Greeks.
02:44Budget promises feel distant and abstract,
02:47eclipsed by the daily reality of rising costs and stagnant wages.
02:52For now, the voices of those struggling to make ends meet
02:56are drowning out of the sound of politicians debating numbers on balance sheets.
03:02Evangelos Tsipsas for CGTN, Athens.