Internal party divisions surface over benefit duration
Georgiadis stated on Parapolitika radio that Marinakis had every right to express a personal opinion because New Democracy does not follow communist doctrine. He added that the issue is complex and cannot be settled in one sentence. The health minister noted that the benefit functions as both a contributory mechanism and a social safety net, yet he questioned whether high demand for workers at 6 percent unemployment justifies converting the tool into an employment subsidy. Georgiadis stressed that freedom of speech and thought is encouraged inside the party and that no one should be prevented from voicing an opinion on the matter. He explicitly listed that New Democracy is not communist and does not believe in Stalin, Hoxha, Ceausescu, Jaruzelski or anyone else, therefore the freedom of speech and thought is encouraged and Mr Marinakis had every right to express his opinion.
Support from Voridis and Spanakis
Former minister Makis Voridis argued on Action24 that rationalisation of benefits is necessary. Deputy interior minister Vassilis Spanakis told OPEN television that Marinakis essentially called for strengthening work rather than distancing policy from market realities. Both statements aligned with the original proposal while framing it as a labour-market adjustment. Their interventions were presented as reinforcing the idea that benefits should be examined for efficiency without moving away from market needs. Voridis called for an overall rationalisation of allowances while Spanakis underlined that the spokesman had said nothing that is far from the market.
Opposition inside the same government
Labour minister Niki Kerameus and deputy labour minister Kostas Karagounis distanced themselves from the suggestion. Former government spokesman Stelios Petsas described the two-month limit as an ill-timed statement. The split has left Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis without a public comment, a silence observers interpret as deliberate. The reactions came from figures within the same party and same government, highlighting internal disagreement on both substance and timing. Kerameus, who is also a candidate in the same northern Athens constituency as Marinakis, called the statement ill-judged.
Marinakis attempts to contain the reaction
Marinakis has repeated that the idea was personal rather than government policy. Critics from opposition parties claim the remarks function as a trial balloon for wider cuts. The spokesman’s daily clarifications have not ended speculation that senior party figures are testing public tolerance for reduced benefit periods. The presentation as a private view has not fully convinced those who argue that government spokesmen speak for the prime minister. Opposition voices maintain that government spokesmen express the prime minister they represent and not themselves.
Economic context behind the proposal
Greece’s reported unemployment rate near 6 percent coincides with employer complaints about unfilled vacancies. Georgiadis used this mismatch to argue that incentives should favour active employment over passive income support. No official legislative timetable has been announced, and the discussion remains at the level of individual opinions inside the governing party. The contributory character of the benefit and its role as a safety net were recalled as factors that complicate any quick change. When one enters any business, employers say they cannot find workers, raising the question whether the tool should be reversed into an employment subsidy.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly did Marinakis propose?
He suggested limiting unemployment benefit payments to two months as a personal view, not an official government plan.
Did Georgiadis endorse the idea outright?
No. He called the position interesting under certain conditions and emphasised the need for further analysis rather than immediate adoption.
Which ministers opposed the suggestion?
Labour minister Niki Kerameus and deputy minister Kostas Karagounis publicly distanced themselves; former spokesman Stelios Petsas also criticised the timing.
Is the unemployment rate the key factor?
Georgiadis highlighted the 6 percent rate and employer reports of labour shortages as reasons to consider shifting support toward work subsidies.
Has the prime minister taken a position?
Kyriakos Mitsotakis has remained silent on the matter, leaving the debate to continue among other party figures.
