Alexis Tsipras, leader of the ELAS party, has met with fishermen protesting fuel costs on Thessaloniki's old waterfront, calling on the government to cap fuel expenses for the fishing industry at roughly 60 to 70 cents per liter — close to levels seen before last February.
"A country that doesn't produce has no hope. The people who produce must be supported," Mr. Tsipras said after the meeting, describing fishermen's survival as a serious problem requiring immediate government action.
He said fishermen now pay double what they once did for fuel, with the cost of sending a trawler to sea becoming prohibitive.
Mr. Tsipras claimed European fishing subsidy funds meant to support the sector had instead been redirected to other purposes, and estimated the cost of restoring support at just €40 million to €50 million.
He warned that without relief, fishermen would stop working, forcing consumers toward frozen or farmed fish instead.
Citing Eurostat data, Mr. Tsipras said 20% of Greeks cannot adequately heat their homes — the highest rate in the EU alongside Bulgaria — while Greek fuel prices before tax rank among the continent's highest despite comparatively low wages.
"We have Bulgarian salaries and Swiss prices," he said, proposing either profit caps across the fuel supply chain or targeted subsidies for industries at risk of shutting down.
Asked what he would do differently in government, Mr. Tsipras promised no overnight fixes but pledged a 30% average cut to electricity bills, tougher action against cartels, and reforms to bank lending practices for small businesses.
He also toured a local fishing boat before walking the waterfront with residents.