ATHENS – Main opposition SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras accused the government on Friday of lacking a plan to support small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), during a video conference with representatives of industry about the problems they face in the midst of a pandemic and the necessary support measures.

The leader of SYRIZA noted that the crucial thing was financial support, support of labour, providing aid that did not have to be paid back, tax relief and a generous programme of guarantees and micro-loans for SMEs.

He accused the government for "institutionalising half work", noting that this will set off a "chain reaction, which if it continues, will lead to a sharp rise in unemployment and the closure of thousands of businesses."

He stressed that if no answers are given soon, "thousands of entrepreneurs will be left without support and thousands of workers unemployed."