News / Greece

Greek parliament kicks off new session amid controversial 13 hour labour bill

Ministers and MPs face a busy legislative period, including the controversial 13-hour workday bill, the 2026 budget, and foreign policy discussions.

The Ministry of Labour's bill, led by Niki Kerameus, is set for a vote, including a controversial 13-hour workday provision.. Photo: AAP/ALEXANDROS VLACHOS

Staff writers
11 October 2025 6:31pm

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The third parliamentary session of the Hellenic Parliament began last week with the customary blessing. This marks the start of a new legislative period, culminating in December with the anticipated vote on the 2026 budget. The four-day session involves senior ministers and MPs, concluding just before the vote with speeches from the Prime Minister and party leaders.

In the coming period, the Ministry of Labour’s bill, led by Minister Niki Kerameus, is expected to go to a vote; among other measures, it includes provisions for a 13-hour workday. The bill was introduced to the relevant committees for discussion earlier this week.

Friday’s session saw a heated exchange between the minister and MP Effie Achtsioglou regarding both stakeholder reactions and the head of the Labour Inspectorate. According to Ms Achtsioglou, the official had been dismissed by the Council of State. The Ministry of Labour’s bill has drawn strong criticism from opposition parties, with some signalling they will vote against it.

In the coming period, the Ministry of Labour’s bill, led by Minister Niki Kerameus, is expected to go to a vote; among other measures, it includes provisions for a 13-hour workday.

Additionally, in the coming days, the bill proposed by Pavlos Marinakis regarding public broadcasting will be brought before committees for discussion. Later, the government is expected to introduce a series of bills relating to the Ministry of Finance and the support measures announced by the Prime Minister at the Thessaloniki International Fair. The Ministry of Defence’s legislation on transitioning the Armed Forces into a new era is also anticipated. A critical piece of legislation is expected from the Ministry of Migration and Asylum, which concerns legal migration.

Finally, this week, in addition to the Labour bill, a discussion among party leaders is scheduled. Under Article 142A of the Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will address Parliament on Thursday, October 16, regarding foreign policy issues. The other party leaders will also have the opportunity to speak.