​​​​ATHENS

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced a new "golden visa" program that grants long-term residency to entrepreneurs who invest a minimum of €250,000 in startups in Greece.

The announcement was made during the opening of the 88th International Thessaloniki Fair where Mitsotakis outlined several initiatives to boost the economy and support low-income Greeks, including increases in pensions and civil servant salaries, as well as reductions in social security contributions.

To address a declining population, Mitsotakis pledged to increase financial support for parents.

On the issue of housing, particularly in tourist-heavy areas, the prime minister announced tax incentives for homeowners who rent vacant properties.

He noted a tax increase for those switching from long-term to short-term rentals and imposed restrictions on new short-term rental properties in certain Athens neighborhoods.

Mitsotakis also highlighted plans to increase port fees for cruise ships during the summer, with even higher fees for popular destinations like Santorini and Mykonos. The revenue will be used to improve infrastructure in tourist areas.

Labor unions, meanwhile, called for protests in Thessaloniki, criticizing the government's handling of rising living costs and inadequate wages.