Greek Government Spokesman Pavlos Marinakis has rejected claims of a woke agenda following criticism from former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras over a public health form.
Speaking in an interview on Mega television, Marinakis responded to comments by Samaras regarding an electronic application form issued by the National Organisation for Healthcare Services Provision, known as EOPYY.
The dispute emerged after Samaras shared a social media post linking to an article that claimed the digital EOPYY form opened the door to third, fourth, and fifth gender choices.
Marinakis expressed sadness over the comments made by Samaras, pointing out that he had personally served as an active member of the party youth during Samaras's leadership of New Democracy.
He affirmed that the government recognizes only two genders and stated that this fundamental stance will never change, especially under the administration of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
Addressing the technical cause, Marinakis explained that the additional gender options were an oversight by an external software company applying an International Organization for Standardization rule.
He confirmed that Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis ordered the immediate correction of the digital form and insisted the IT firm had no connection to any woke political agenda.
Marinakis described the criticism in the post as a political veil, arguing that critics use gender controversies because they lack substantive right-wing policy alternatives.
He added that the government maintains no front against Samaras, acknowledging his service as party leader and prime minister during difficult years, while noting that recent statements by Samaras and his associates risk undoing his legacy.
Economic Roadmap for Greece
Turning to national economic policy, Marinakis detailed plans for the upcoming keynote address by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the Thessaloniki International Fair, commonly known as TIF.
The annual fair in Thessaloniki is Greece's primary economic forum, held every September, where government leaders traditionally outline their policy goals and fiscal measures for the coming year.
Marinakis explained that the prime minister will present a comprehensive four-year roadmap for the government's second term rather than a basic list of annual budget adjustments.
He noted that a small portion of the new economic measures will take effect by the end of 2026, supported by an estimated fiscal margin of 250 million euros.
A portion of current state funds is being allocated monthly to subsidize fuel costs and protect households from unprecedented price increases across global energy markets.
The vast majority of the announced economic initiatives will take effect in 2027, when the government anticipates a broader fiscal space of at least one billion euros.
Furthermore, tax relief measures announced at the previous fair, including income tax reductions for sole proprietorships and self-employed workers, will become visible on tax clearance statements in 2027.
Defense of Fiscal Record
Defending the economic track record of the administration, Marinakis stated that he has served as government spokesman for over three years and monitored three annual state budget cycles.
He rejected opposition claims that rising state tax revenues stem from overtaxation, emphasizing that the Mitsotakis government has reduced or abolished 83 direct and indirect taxes.
Marinakis criticized opposition parties for attacking government tax revenues while simultaneously demanding extensive new spending programs without identifying required revenue sources.
He argued that uncosted spending demands have plagued Greek governance since the 1980s under the Panhellenic Socialist Movement, known as PASOK.
According to Marinakis, past uncosted political promises led directly to Greek pensioners losing half their income, public sector employees losing 13th-month salary bonuses, and freelancers paying up to 85 percent of their earnings under Syriza-era tax laws.
He contrasted the property tax records of past and present leaders, noting that former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras promised to abolish the Unified Real Estate Ownership Tax, known as ENFIA, but instead increased it.
In contrast, Mitsotakis promised a 35 percent reduction in ENFIA, which has reached a 50 percent reduction for property owners who insure their real estate.
Clash With Opposition Leaders
Marinakis also targeted opposition proposals on banking and debt management, focusing on policies put forward by PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis regarding non-performing loans.
He stated that Androulakis's plan for red loans is unworkable, violates European Union regulations, and is not implemented in Cyprus or any other European nation.
Responding to PASOK claims, Marinakis cited a Ministry of Finance statement proving point by point that provisions active in Cyprus are already incorporated into Greek law.
He warned that PASOK's proposal sends a harmful message to citizens who faithfully pay their loans, taxes, and contributions, making compliant taxpayers feel like fools and encouraging non-payment.
Marinakis remarked that PASOK under Androulakis is attempting to return to 1980s politics without the political charisma of party founder Andreas Papandreou and without the easy money of that era.
Addressing former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, who is scheduled to deliver a speech in Thessaloniki tomorrow, Marinakis accused him of attempting to re-emerge under rebranded political identities.
He recalled Tsipras's past promises to abolish bailout agreements, his subsequent policy reversal, symbolic project inaugurations using painted tarpaulins, and the introduction or increase of more than 23 tax rates during his administration.
