Extra support in the primary sector, amounting to 160m euros, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced in Parliament in the debate on ratification of the State Budget of 2026.
As mentioned above, this amount was obtained from the savings of resources that we had in the new way of paying agricultural subsidies from OPEKEPE (so that is CAP money).
From this budget the 80 million will go to farmers and the remaining 80 million will go to the cereal producers and cotton growers, who, as he said, are currently being tested at low prices.
He also said that in collaboration with the AADE he is looking for a digital way for the Special Consumption Tax (EFK) to be able to return effectively at the time when oil enters the tractor, but in a way that ensures total transparency.
He also invited opposition parties to set up a inter-party committee, with a inter-party Bureau, to examine the problems of the primary sector and agree on the necessary changes that will also bind the next governments.
In particular in his speech the Prime Minister referred to the agricultural sector stated:
Such reform is now being promoted in the primary sector, where it is true that for 40 years the responsibilities have been burdening the entire political system, at least all those who ruled, the parties that ruled, among them obviously ours, the parties that have also passed through the opposition, who have also passed complicatingly on the wrong side, but also a part of the farmers themselves who, let us admit it, have either inactive or settled, or settled in one. «Sick» System.
With the cutting edge of some provocative diversions this «bubble» He blew up and, having exhausted the margins, he wanted to cut the Gordian bond. Controls already lead to justice, as you can see, many open cases. While, with the cooperation of the European Commission, we have decided to take the thread from the beginning, to identify illegals, to finally restore a transparent process that will make fair and correct use of European funds.
Are we late? We're late. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't act even now.
Are we directing? I said it first. But a greater responsibility is one who refuses to change a regime which is proven to be rotten.
That is why it is not important to mix questions that everyone, Mr. Androulaki, knew in the parties and villages without daring to answer, as long as we were giving solutions.
Our solution, therefore, is a bold resolution and reform of OPEKEPE, with its integration into the Independent Public Revenue Authority (AED). And in this particular moment, agricultural movements broke out, with blockades of roads, ports, airports. I would say in a mood, at least until yesterday, for lack of dialogue.
I would like to remind you that in the past all governments have managed agricultural mobilisations. And we had agricultural mobilisations two years ago. We sat at the same table, gave solutions to a number of major problems, such as production costs and the return of the Special Consumption Tax, the reduction of VAT on feed, fertilisers, agricultural machinery. This is all pretty much familiar.
And yes, we knew from the first moment that the transition on the move of OPEKEPE to AADE would also mean a few minor delays in payment payments. But I want to remind you that the IACS statements closed on 20 October and the first payments started in November. There has been a titanic effort, which I want to recognise, from both joint ministries and from the Deputy Prime Minister, to finally make payments.
And what will be the payments, ladies and gentlemen, at the end of the year? 3.8 billion in 2025 versus 3.2 billion in 2024.
But the most important thing is not that. The most important thing is that the payment system is being permanently modernised. As the Vice-President has said, the government has a framework that is facing justified demands from the primary sector.
In consultation with PPC as best electricity prices as possible.
In consultation with AADE a digital way for the Special Consumption Tax to be able to return effectively at the time the oil enters, but in a way that ensures absolute transparency. Because I do not imagine there are people in this Chamber who imagine that this system cannot be abused.
But most importantly, this new way of paying subsidies has led to savings. How much savings? Now we know her. Certainly EUR 160 million, which was not given to those who are simply not entitled to it. So this money, 80 million, will go to the farmers and 80 million will go to the grain producers and cotton growers, who are currently being tested at low prices.
This, however - because we will also have the debate the day after tomorrow in the National Delegation - which will not be discussed, is the transition of OPECEPE to the AADE. The Commission's proposal for a Directive on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances. «heart» reform and the first step towards modernising and liberalising the rural world from the shackles of a bad past, so that Community funds do indeed strengthen national production and ultimately, as we prove to be able to do in practice, honest professional producers can finally collect larger amounts.
I understand that this bold decision has unleashed several who have learned to act by exploiting many gaps and malfunctions of the old system. But it is time - I am especially addressing you, Mr. Androulakis - to overthrow this inter-party pathogeny of the last 40 years. Because, anyway, if two parties have a greater share of responsibility in this situation it is ours and yours, because nobody forgets yours. «contribution» in rural cooperatives and the way you managed agricultural subsidies.
Here, of course, parties are a little contradictory about your attitude. On the one hand you denounce the problem OPEKEPE and on the other when he goes to change you refuse to participate in this effort.
Therefore, things are very simple: on Thursday the New Democracy will call for a roll-call vote on this reform and let us see, Mr. Androulakis, how you will be placed, with your vote this time.
From the point of view of the New Republic, let me make this clear, I will never apologize for any illegality of any opportunist, and so I ask the other parties. Because you know very well that «parasites» They always seek the opportunity to cling to power organizations. Above all, however, I ask you to look at the more general orientation of the primary sector with farmers in the first place. We've done a lot for farmers, we can do more.
I therefore address an invitation to the opposition parties: four months, a inter-party committee with a inter-party Bureau, to look at the problems of the primary sector and come and agree on the necessary changes that will also bind the next governments.
To look at the problems in production, product management, to see solutions. Why can't we train our farmers? Why is our productivity so low? Do you want to join? Behold a glorious field. Inter-party committee, inter-party Bureau. See how we can create real goodwill.
Ladies and gentlemen, Greece is not going to be identified with a place that is shaded by dark exceptions and weights of the past. We are an optimistic country, we are based on the experiences of 2025, we will travel to 2027. We have a plan for Greece in 2030.
With a plan per month, which I described, in 2026, which will maintain growth in the economy, it will support society against increased daily costs, but in particular support for family and middle class, the new generation and the Greek region.
