Ruling New Democracy lawmaker Giorgos Vlahos has criticized Greece's Ministry of Finance in parliament, demanding relief measures for consistent primary residence mortgage borrowers.
During a debate on his topical question, the Member of Parliament for East Attica argued that the government has failed to support citizens who make sacrifices to meet their loan obligations, warning that ministers are living out of touch with reality.
Deputy Minister of Finance Dimitris Markopoulos defended the administration, insisting that significant targeted initiatives have already been implemented to assist reliable borrowers during rising interest rates.
Parliamentary debate on mortgage relief
Addressing the chamber, Vlahos acknowledged that state support exists for vulnerable households, but insisted that consistent debtors who manage their mortgages through hard work deserve explicit financial assistance, relief, or a bonus.
Vlahos urged the government to re-establish its footing in society and reconnect with broader social groups ahead of the upcoming national elections.
Expressing sharp irritation at the response from the bench, Vlahos accused the deputy finance minister of attempting to dismiss a question from an awkward lawmaker who was poking the ministry, adding that he was thoroughly dissatisfied with the treatment.
Vlahos also launched an attack against loan servicing funds, claiming that financial servicing companies are operating without control and demonstrating terrible conduct toward borrowers.
Government defense and debt measures
Responding to the criticism, Markopoulos denied that he had ever called Vlahos awkward, emphasizing his deep personal respect for the veteran lawmaker and stating that both politicians were on the same side of the boat.
Markopoulos detailed several actions taken by the government to support borrowers, pointing to tax relief measures announced at the Thessaloniki International Fair regarding presumptive taxation reforms.
He also cited recent legislative interventions surrounding loans under the Katseli Law framework, alongside commercial bank reward schemes designed for consistent borrowers during interest rate hikes.
The Katseli Law, enacted in 2010 during the Greek debt crisis, created a legal shield for over-indebted households seeking judicial debt restructuring to protect their primary homes.
Fund regulations and economic policy
Rejecting accusations that financial debt management firms operate unchecked, Markopoulos highlighted that the government under Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis established a mandatory Code of Conduct governing servicing funds.
Markopoulos assured parliament that state authorities will audit every entity and leave no company uncontrolled, contrasting the government's approach with political opponents who he said promise magic formulas with ease.
Reflecting on Greece's economic history, Markopoulos stated that the country was forced into a third bailout memorandum because previous politicians believed they were serving a revolutionary fantasy.
He concluded by asserting that the government's policies aim to remove burdens from consistent and vulnerable citizens alike, adding that ministers seek to give to the Greek people rather than take from them.
