![\"Mitsotakis](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/kyriakos-mitsotakis-addressing-epp-credit-european-peoples-party-cc-by-20.jpg\")
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Mitssotakis noted that for a full-time employee, this translates to an annual benefit of over \u20ac3,780 compared to 2019 levels. Credit: European People\u2019s Party \/ Wikimedi Commons CC BY 2.0<\/p>\n
Greece<\/a> announced that it will raise the gross monthly minimum wage by about 4.5% to around \u20ac920 ($1,061) starting April 1, 2026, marking the sixth increase since 2022. The government says the measure is aimed at improving living standards and offsetting inflation and rising energy costs.<\/p>\n The increase comes as Greece continues to recover from the 2009\u20132018 debt crisis, which led to severe austerity measures under EU and IMF supervision. While economic indicators have improved in recent years, including growth and employment, many households still face high living costs<\/a> and relatively low purchasing power<\/a> compared to the rest of the EU.<\/p>\n The government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis has combined wage increases with tax cuts and aims to reach a \u20ac950 minimum wage by 2027. However, critics argue that wage growth has not kept pace with inflation<\/a> and that many workers continue to struggle, as reflected in protests and ongoing concerns about inequality and cost of living pressures.<\/p>\n Mitsotakis: New minimum wage rise in 2017<\/p>\n Addressing a cabinet meeting on Thursday, Prime Minister Mitsotakis framed the increase as a fulfillment of a central campaign promise.<\/p>\n \u201cToday, we are jointly deciding on a new increase in the minimum wage<\/a> to further support society,\u201d Mitsotakis stated. \u201cIt is the sixth consecutive rise; in 2019, we inherited a minimum wage of \u20ac650 ($750), and as of April 1, it will reach \u20ac920 ($1,061). This represents a cumulative increase of more than 41% since we took office.\u201d<\/p>\n The Prime Minister noted that for a full-time employee, this translates to an annual benefit of over \u20ac3,780 compared to 2019 levels. He also highlighted that the average wage in Greece has already surpassed the \u20ac1,500 mark for full-time employment, putting the government ahead of its original schedule for 2027.<\/p>\n \u201cWith clear visibility and confidence,\u201d Mitsotakis added, \u201cwe can say that our 2027 target of a \u20ac950 minimum wage is well within reach.\u201d<\/p>\n Labor unions warn of \u201cwidening gap\u201d between wages and survival<\/p>\n