Apostolaki blames government for bank branch closures and rising financial exclusion

During a heated debate in the Hellenic Parliament, Milena Apostolaki accused the government of being solely responsible for a sweeping reduction of bank branches and ATMs that has resulted in millions of Greeks lacking cash access. She referenced European Central Bank statistics indicating a 67% decline in Greek bank outlets since 2008, compared with roughly a 46% reduction across the euro area. While the banking sector enjoys net profits measured in billions of euros, Apostolaki said the cost of closing branches and cutting staff is passed on to the public.

Deputy Minister Dimitris Markopoulos responded by highlighting the recovery of the banking system and the expansion of electronic services, claiming most citizens can now transact digitally. Apostolaki rejected the digital-only argument, insisting that cash availability remains a fundamental right and that the government has failed to take effective measures to address the exclusion.