Inequality persists in Greece despite the announced economic growth.

Despite the optimistic headlines announcing a resurgence of the Greek economy, the reality for many citizens is very different. Kyriakos Giannichronis, a 27-year-old barista, is one of many Greeks who, although he hears news about a 2% growth in 2023, feels that this improvement has not yet reached his daily life. With a salary barely above the minimum wage, Giannichronis struggles to survive as rent and the cost of living continue to rise. His story reflects the daily struggle of a generation that, despite macroeconomic advancements, feels trapped in a spiral of difficulties. The upcoming speech by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the Thessaloniki International Fair, where economic support measures are expected to be announced, comes at a critical moment. The decline in his government's popularity following the European elections in June, where his party New Democracy garnered only 22% of the voting intentions, has left many citizens attentive to what is proposed to alleviate their hardships. Despite GDP growth, economists like Nikos Vettas warn that this increase comes from a very low base and is not enough to compensate for the damage caused by years of financial crisis. Housing and food prices have risen to levels that compromise the real income of many households, resulting in a stagnation of living standards. "Although the numbers may seem positive, the sense of well-being is scarce," Vettas points out, highlighting a palpable contrast between macroeconomic figures and the everyday experience of Greeks. The government has attributed rising energy prices, as well as other goods, to external factors such as the war in Ukraine. However, many Greeks feel that this explanation is insufficient to justify their situation. Christina Massiou, a 24-year-old hairdresser, expresses her frustration by questioning how it is possible to live with a rent of $550 in a country where wages barely cover basic needs. Economic insecurity affects young people particularly acutely, who see no clear path to a more stable future. The Ministry of Economy has published data indicating an increase in the net disposable income of Greek households, placing the country in 16th position in the European Union. However, many citizens wonder if these figures truly reflect their experience. "It is clear that Greece has not transformed into Switzerland or Sweden," concludes Vettas, as the government's optimism contrasts with the reality on the ground. For those working in key sectors like hospitality, changes in the economy do not translate into tangible improvements. Giannichronis, who works in a café, comments that it is difficult for him and his colleagues to see a better future, especially when prices keep rising. "I manage what I earn responsibly, but everything goes up," he laments, reflecting the frustration of many who feel their efforts to get ahead are in vain. The perception that the economy is improving does not translate into improvements in the quality of life for citizens. The gap between economic statistics and the daily reality of the population widens, leaving many with a sense of being trapped in a survival cycle. For Greek youth, opportunities seem scarce, and the pressure of an economy that does not respond to their needs becomes increasingly evident. As Greece enters the next phase of its economic recovery, the critical question remains: who truly benefits from this growth? The voices of citizens like Giannichronis and Massiou resonate as a reminder that beyond the figures, real lives are at stake. In this context, Mitsotakis's speech in Thessaloniki could be a turning point, but only time will tell if his proposals will address the concerns and needs of Greeks who are still struggling to find their place in a recovering but still fragile economy.