The accusation
SYRIZA–Proodeftiki Synergasia (SYRIZA–PS) accuses Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis of effectively signaling forthcoming increases in water tariffs during the ceremony marking 100 years of EYDAP (the Athens Water and Sewerage Company). In a party statement issued after the event, the opposition says government rhetoric about investments and the company’s public character “hides” new burdens for citizens.
What SYRIZA says the prime minister implied
According to SYRIZA, Mr. Mitsotakis’ phrasing about delivering the “cheapest possible water” (Greek: «φθηνότερο δυνατό νερό») amounted to an indirect announcement that households will ultimately be asked to pay more. The party adds that this message came despite recent government moves such as establishing a Regulatory Authority for water.
Pricing and policy details highlighted by the opposition
SYRIZA points out that water is not included among the “2,000 codes” that, the party says, Mr. Mitsotakis and Minister Michalis Theodorikakos promised would become cheaper. The opposition claims that, contrary to those promises, there are increases planned for water tariffs while only marginal reductions are foreseen for low-cost items — which SYRIZA illustrates with the examples of plungers and clothespins.
SYRIZA’s position and demands
The party calls Mitsotakis’ plan to raise water prices “antisocial” and urges the government not to proceed with such measures, warning that households cannot absorb additional financial burdens. SYRIZA also demands a comprehensive plan for the management, protection and reinforcement of water reserves and questions what the government has done on these issues over the past six-plus years. The statement closes with the party’s verdict on the government’s approach: “a hole in the water.”
