Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis has sharply rebuked former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, dismissing the newly unveiled economic program of the Hellenic Left Alignment (ELAS) as a costly repetition of past illusions.
Responding to Mr. Tsipras’ speech in Thessaloniki, which outlined sweeping wage hikes, tax reforms, and a new wealth tax, Mr. Marinakis accused the leftist leader of blowing a €13 billion hole in the state budget for the first year of implementation alone.
"No matter how much Mr. Tsipras tries to reintroduce himself as something 'new,' with every appearance he proves he remains exactly the same," Mr. Marinakis said.
He likened the promises to the uncosted pledges of the 2014 Thessaloniki program, warning that the proposed "patriotic taxes" would invoke "the ugliest memories, especially for the middle class."
The government spokesman criticized Mr. Tsipras for ignoring European spending ceilings and failing to offer self-reflection on his previous tenure.
Mr. Marinakis argued it was absurd for the former premier to suggest Greeks were better off in 2019, a period he characterized by higher unemployment, lower incomes, and heavier taxation.
"He is serving up 'easy' solutions to difficult problems again, in an attempt to erase the past," Mr. Marinakis said.
"The packaging may change, but the content remains the same."