In view of the elections expected on 21 May, the Prime Minister of Greece and President of the New Democracy, Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, speaks to grtraveller about the next four years, presenting his commitments for a productive, social, fair, green and digital Greece, and urges Greeks to give New Democracy a chance, so that Greece can continue to move steadily, boldly and always forward.
Prime Minister, in the final stretch to the elections, we would like you to tell us what the real objective of New Democracy is.
From the beginning of my political career I have been honest. I don’t like surprises, and I don’t like riddles. I look citizens in the eye and tell them that our goal is clear: A self-reliant New Democracy, a self-reliant Greece. It is a goal that I have prescribed long before the elections were called.
And I will insist on it, because I believe that the country needs a stable and robust government that makes quick decisions, not an unstable one that operates on the basis of concessions and bargains. Especially in the current period, international uncertainty and successive crises highlight even more strongly the need for stability and continuity that only an independent government of New Democracy can guarantee.
Δεδομένης, όμως, της Απλής Αναλογικής, είναι μάλλον απίθανο να προκύψει αυτοδύναμη κυβέρνηση από την πρώτη κάλπη.
Indeed, the ballot on May 21 will probably not lead to an independent government. That is why I have repeatedly referred to the “landmine” of the Simple Proportional Representation, which SYRIZA left behind. So, in order to unlock this “mine” and avoid adventures, citizens must understand that there are no two elections. But a process.
The ballot on 21 May is the most crucial because it will determine who will govern. While the second elections will determine how he will govern. And the stronger the message from the result of the first one, the more operational the result of the second one will be. There is therefore no room for experimentation. We are asking for a clear mandate for a great victory for New Democracy.
“There is therefore no room for experimentation. We ask for a clear mandate for a great victory for New Democracy.”
Do you completely rule out coalition governments? Couldn’t you find points of convergence with other parties?
But here, even those who voted for the Simple Proportional Representation do not find points of convergence between them. They show that their aim was not cooperation, but ungovernability. We see it every day. On the one hand, Mr. Tsipras calls for a “progressive government” with Mr. Androulakis and Mr. Varoufakis. But Mr. Androulakis does not want Mr. Tsipras for prime minister. And Mr. Varoufakis says he would rather have his hand cut off than be in government with them. Mill, that is…
Then, the leader of SYRIZA changes his tune and refers to a “government of tolerance”. But will it have the tolerance of a partner who wants to take the country out of the euro and print the “Demeter” currency that will be worth nothing? With the banks closed again and the deposits in the air again? This will not be a government of tolerance, but of guilt. Mill again…
Mr. Tsipras, at the same time as he swears in Europe, winks at the KKE, which, however, categorically refuses, asking us to leave the European Union and NATO. New mill…
Meanwhile, Mr. Androulakis continues to ask for the vote of the citizens without revealing to them who will govern them. He simply assures them that he will not accept the leader of the first party as prime minister. I’m sorry, but all this confirms the old saying: “From the serious to the ridiculous, the distance is short. But from the ridiculous to the serious, the distance is enormous.
If we are experiencing this Babel of incoherence during the election, imagine the mess that awaits us if they cooperate after the election. When, supposedly, they will be called upon to make crucial decisions for the future of the country.
So, what do you intend to do with the investigative mandate?
All my actions and initiatives will be in line with the provisions of the Constitution. In the four years that I have been Prime Minister, I have shown that I have been absolutely institutional. Let me remind you that we have almost exhausted the four-year term, as I had committed to from the beginning and repeatedly. But also that I have been consistent in all my commitments.
But what do you say to those who consider the amendments to prevent a particular party from participating in the elections unconstitutional?
I answer that all the regulations are legal and constitutional. And politically absolutely imperative. I believe that there is not a single citizen who wants to see neo-Nazi violence in Parliament and on the streets again. Golden Dawn and its leading members have been convicted of crimes, not for their views. And their place is in prison, not on the parliamentary benches. Our decision, therefore, was lawful and constitutional, and this is the consensus of all constitutional scholars.
Now, as far as our recent legislative initiatives are concerned, the aim was to give the plenary of the First Chamber of the Supreme Court the power to reject the participation of criminal organisations in elections. Even for formations and hybrids that are engineered or “masked” to circumvent the process.
I will not hide from you that I took it for granted that all democratic forces would join forces in this effort. And yet they betrayed not us, but common sense, by avoiding voting for the amendment. By this act, which I fear will follow them for years to come, they have effectively winked at the Nazi formation. But if they thought that this would hurt New Democracy, it is time for them to realize that they are hurting democracy itself. I regret that my call for a united democratic wall against convicted criminals has fallen on deaf ears.
“We are committed to building a productive, social, fair, green and digital Greece.”
It is well known that many voters decide on the basis of the economy. What do you have to say to those who oppose the satisfactory, as you say, state of the Greek economy to the bad state of their pockets? How will you convince them to trust you again?
I don’t think I need to say much about the state of the Greek economy. The numbers say it all: Growth is three times the European average, while debt is shrinking faster than any other country. With Greece recording record levels of investment, exports and tourism revenues.
It is not enough, of course, to note what we have achieved, but also to remember where we started. Because it is now easy for citizens to judge and compare. All they have to do is contrast our four years with the four years of Syriza. A black period, then, with banks closed. With unemployment soaring and 17 cuts in wages and pensions. And still with 39 additional taxes and a series of measures that crushed the middle class.
On the contrary, in our time, Greeks pay 7 billion less every year, because 50 taxes have been reduced. With the ENFIA being reduced by 35%, more than our election commitment. The Solidarity Levy and practically the Parental Benefit Tax were also abolished. While workers and employers pay lower contributions. At the same time, unemployment has fallen to its lowest level in 12 years. With 300,000 of our fellow citizens finding jobs, income and prospects.
All this despite successive trials: immigration, the pandemic, the energy crisis and the inflation caused by the war in Ukraine. With the State standing by society, activating a colossal 57 billion programme. Without, indeed, threatening fiscal stability.
We have also strengthened the minimum wage by 20%. We gave the first 8% increases in 12 years to 1.6 million pensioners. And we compensated those who are wronged by the “Katrougalos personal difference” with 200 or 300 euros. In the same period we have strengthened our deterrent capability with new fighters and frigates. Giving life back to the domestic defence industry and shipyards.
While major projects are underway in all regions of the country. Ports, airports, motorways and necessary infrastructure are transforming Greece. We have the Athens Metro which is spreading and the Thessaloniki Metro which will be operational in a few months. We have Hellenikon and the double redevelopment in Botanico. Hundreds of irrigation projects in the region. Και αν αυτή την τετραετία έγιναν σημαντικά βήματα, την επόμενη θα γίνουν άλματα.
I will insist, Prime Minister, on the problem of inflation and the problem of inflation and price inflation that continues to plague most households.
Inflation is not a Greek problem, as the opposition wants to present it. But an international crisis that is afflicting all European economies. With Greece, however, recording the fifth lowest inflation in the Eurozone. This, of course, is naturally not saying much to families who are struggling to make ends meet.
But everyone knows that the state has stood by them. Everyone has seen in practice the mounds we have raised on imported precision. The benefits we have provided to the most vulnerable. The subsidies credited to the electricity bills. These were not drawn from the budget, but from the excess profits of the energy companies. And many other interventions, such as the Market Pass and the Household Basket, which after being vilified by the SYRIZA cadres, was adopted in France, and is being considered by Belgium and other countries.
However, wages remain low. How do you intend to address this problem?
I have repeatedly admitted that wages in our country remain low. That is why I insist that the country must stay on the growth path that we have set. To continue to attract productive and dynamic investment, creating jobs and wealth that is fairly distributed to society. Only in this way can we guarantee the increases included in our programme.
Because, on the other hand, Mr.Tsipras can also promise wages, but without growth this promise is empty. Empty and without recipients. Never mind that if he does what he promises, with the bill already exceeding 45 billion, the country will soon go bankrupt again and neither Mr Varoufakis’ “Demeter” nor Syriza’s new memoranda will save us. I thought that this election period would give all parties the opportunity to get serious and address the Greek people honestly. However, expectations are being dashed.
Our proposal is fully costed. By the end of our next mandate, the average salary will have risen by more than 25%, to 1,500 euros. As well as the minimum, to reach 950 euros. In the private sector, increases will be based on strong growth of 3% above the European average. In the public sector it will be based on the reform of the Single Salary Schedule. Increases of 3-4% per year are also foreseen for pensioners. While, gradually, the Business Tax for professionals and farmers will be abolished. Και οι εισφορές θα μειωθούν ακόμη κατά μία μονάδα.. Με αυτό τον συνδυασμό μέτρων θα καλύψουμε σταδιακά την απόσταση που μας χωρίζει ακόμη από την Ευρώπη.
“Είναι καθήκον μας να παραδώσουμε στη νέα γενιά μια Ελλάδα καλύτερη από αυτήν που παραλάβαμε. Μια Ελλάδα που δίνει ευκαιρίες στους νέους.
A stronger Greece. The Greece that our young people deserve!
Για εσάς δίνουμε τη μάχη. And we will win it.”
Your opponents also accuse you of promising more than you can give.
They are contradicted by reality. As I said, our programme is fully documented. And in no way will it threaten the fiscal balance. This is a personal bet of mine, because the country must never again be threatened with bankruptcy and new memoranda. And this is the central condition in the contract of trust that we are proposing to the Greek people, and especially to the young people. Who must remember that we do not intend to saw off the branch on which we are sitting. Instead, we need to make the foundations even stronger.
As I have said before, in our first term of office the foundations were laid and the first floors were built. In the next we are called upon to raise the next. And to complete the building we all envision. With our country covering the lost ground of many decades in order to converge with our European partners.
The boost to incomes, to answer your question directly, will not come from a “money centre”, but from steady growth. I will not bore you with numbers, but I will simply isolate three indicative figures that constitute our individual objectives for the next four years: Unemployment to fall to 8% by 2027. Exports to rise to 60% of GDP, and manufacturing to 15%. So we will be able to finance the welfare state and have additional space for health, education, defence.
So how would you summarise your programme. What can citizens expect in the next four years?
If citizens renew New Democracy’s mandate to govern, we are committed to building a productive, social, fair, green and digital Greece. A modern country that is developing, giving equal opportunities without leaving anyone behind. And above all, a strong country, with national self-confidence, with strong alliances and an upgraded deterrent capability.
In the next four years, Greece will be firmly on its feet, and will look to the future with optimism. We know exactly what we want to do. We have the experience and knowledge to do it right. We ask the citizens to give us the opportunity to continue to move steadily, boldly, and always forward.
Your opponents also accuse you of presenting an exaggerated image and claiming that everything has gone well under your watch. What do you say to them?
I tell them that before they speak they should take a look in the mirror. Because they have never acknowledged their mistakes, nor have they even apologised. On the contrary, the government of the New Democracy and I personally have assumed our responsibilities. In the many difficulties we faced, I did not hide for a moment. In all cases I came forward and pointed out specific errors and omissions. The 2021 fires, the case of the surveillance, the tragedy in Tempe.
But we did not stop at recording and identifying errors. We did everything in our power to fix them. Thus, Civil Protection has gone from being an obsolete Secretariat in a crumbling building to a state-of-the-art service that protects lives, property and the environment. With “112” being an achievement that makes us proud. The NSA has changed leadership and operates under a new framework and more control and security filters. In the railways, too, modernisation actions have been launched to tackle decades of pathologies.
“To put it simply, our red lines are a given: Greek sovereignty over the Aegean islands is and will remain non-negotiable. Violations at sea and in the air must stop once and for all. And, of course, Turkey must stop instrumentalizing migrants.”
I would like, Prime Minister, to focus on the accident in Tempe. When will we find out what and who was to blame for the tragedy? Isn’t the investigation overdue?
As I pledged from the very first moment, the truth will shine through and those responsible will be brought to justice. I stand by that commitment, but I do not share the view that the investigation is overdue. A few days ago, the conclusion of the Committee of Experts was submitted to the Minister of State and made public. A full 228-page report, which documents human errors and highlights systemic and long-standing responsibilities. In no way, however, does it cover up, as the Opposition claimed.
The findings have been handed over to the judicial authorities who, as far as I am aware, are moving just as quickly to complete the investigative process. So that soon not a single shadow will remain over this case that has so hurt the Greek society.
The big gamble, of course, is to improve the railway at all levels. So that it becomes a modern instrument that citizens will trust and choose. In this direction, we will make use of the administrative and judicial findings, but also of the proposals of the European Railway Agency, the French Railways Company and our other partners.
We have, of course, started discussions with the Italian government and Hellenic Train to ensure that firstly the investments that are needed go ahead. Secondly, that the best trains will run on the tracks. And thirdly, that staff will be well trained. For our part, we will focus on the judicious expansion of the network and its regular and diligent maintenance.
By the end of next September, the signalling and telecommand will be operational on the main line.And so, finally, after almost a decade of delay, the notorious 717 contract will be implemented.
You will allow me to leave the internal issues and go to the external issues, which we seem to have forgotten, probably because we have entered a new phase of relations with Turkey. What do you intend to do if you are re-elected?
Obviously we have not forgotten our foreign policy and our national issues. Our government, after all, has demonstrated its sensitivity and constant preparedness at all levels. Both in border protection and the mitigation of the migration problem, as well as in the significant strengthening of the country’s defence and the thickening of our diplomatic relations with powerful powers.
As far as Turkey is concerned, the recent easing of tensions, which is partly attributed to “earthquake diplomacy”, is of course welcome. But it does not mean that in order to maintain it we will make any departure from our fundamental principles: the defence of our national sovereignty and our sovereign rights.
Nor, of course, will we enter into a dialogue with the absurd. Especially at a time when Turkey is heading towards its own elections and some are attempting a crude export of their internal political problems. Arbitrarily painting red areas and islands that were and will be blue.
So, if re-elected, I intend to promote a frank and open dialogue to resolve the one single issue that, in our opinion, has been dynamiting relations between the two countries for decades. This is none other than the delimitation of maritime zones, on the basis of International Law and the Law of the Sea.
Of course, in order for the dialogue to be meaningful and effective, there must be no other issues on the agenda. Issues that not only we, but no Greek government will discuss with Turkey. To put it simply, our red lines are a given: Greek sovereignty over the Aegean islands is and will remain non-negotiable. Violations at sea and in the air must be stopped once and for all. And, of course, Turkey has to stop instrumentalizing migrants.
What is the message you want to send to our readers?
The elections on 21 May will not just indicate the next government, but will determine the future of the country for many years to come. There is not the slightest room for a protest vote and abstention. It is a time of responsibility for all Greeks. It is our duty to hand over to the new generation a better Greece than the one we received. A Greece that gives opportunities to young people. A stronger Greece. The Greece that our young people deserve!
It is for you that we are fighting the battle. And we will win it. As long as we don’t go back. But to move forward together. Steady, Bold and Always Ahead!
