Interview with the Prime Minister of Greece,
MR. KYRIKOU MICHOTAKI on grtraveller

 

 

Ahead of the European elections on 9 June, Prime Minister, Mr. Κ. Mitsotakis talks to grtraveller about their importance for the Greek reality and unfolds his cards on the goals he sets for the future regarding European funding, his vision for Greece 2030 and the policies the government is implementing for tourism development.

 

What is for you the identity of today’s Greece. And how do you envision the Greece of 2030?

Modern Greece is a country that has been interacting with its history and culture for millennia. It enjoys the beautiful landscapes and the picturesque islands that adorn it. And it is brought to life by its warm and welcoming people. It is a country proud of its journey and confident in its potential. That has gone through the complementarities of the more than ten years of economic crisis and managed to emerge wounded. But even wiser and more determined to leave behind the mistakes and close the wounds of the past. It is – in short – a country that wants to change and achieve more.

 

 

Going “steadily, closer to Europe”, as our motto says. Building on its comparative advantages and unleashing the many creative forces of the country. A country that is growing and prospering. With respect to natural wealth and cultural heritage. In which everyone can pursue his or her individual progress, with no one left behind. To gradually transform it into a country that has nothing to envy from other European countries: in terms of opportunities, in terms of earnings, in terms of living standards. This is my vision for the Greece of 2030. And I am confident that united, with responsibility, planning and hard work we can make it a reality.

 

Greece is among the top travel destinations in the world. How do we ensure that the momentum is maintained and spread to all regions of the country, contributing to growth?

A stroll through the centre of Athens or a visit to the port of Piraeus is enough to see that visiting Greece is an annual rite of passage and a trip of a lifetime for people from every corner of the globe. A picture that is reflected in the successive records of arrivals and revenues in recent years. With tourism contributing about 25% of the country’s annual GDP. It becomes a source of wealth and fuel for the gears of our economy.

It is not a given that this will continue. But it requires our constant vigilance. Our first concern is to preserve the unique Greek colour: the seas and the greenery that surrounds us. To create better and more climate-resilient infrastructure that serves locals and visitors. To highlight the diversity of our country, so that interest is spread to all its corners and not only to the best known ones. As for most months of the year.

We know, after all, that the best time to visit Athens, Thessaloniki, is spring and autumn. That we have amazing mountain trails for hiking. Also, ski resorts. And villages ideal for living in winter. So that we are now talking about 12 months of tourism that will stimulate local economies, create jobs in the region and increasingly contribute to the overall development of the country.

 

How can tourism development translate into social well-being? Are we going to continue to enjoy the Greek summer now that everyone wants to enjoy it?

When we talk about growth, we talk about creating public wealth, part of which must be returned to society. Tourism, too, in addition to being a “national industry” is one of the largest employers. In a direct way, in hospitality, in catering, in transport. But also indirectly: in agricultural production, in the shops and services that make up a huge value chain.

‘ The first concern is to
preserve the unique
Greek color: the seas and green
that surrounds us ‘

 

In this context, the State must strengthen tourism. In turn, however, entrepreneurs in the sector must also safeguard their “product”. Improve their benefits, but also take care of their workers with better wages and working conditions. With training and career prospects. Only then will it attract the employees it needs to continue to offer a quality product. The State is also helping here, for example through the new JobMatch platform that brings together businesses and those interested in working in the sector.

Let’s not forget that tourism revenues translate into projects, investments and better infrastructure: roads and bridges, utilities and green energy. They feed public health and education. While allowing us to cut taxes and support the weakest among us.

At the same time, however, tourism is also a right that concerns Greek citizens, especially those who do not have great economic comfort. That’s why holidays through the Social Tourism programme are going so well. Because on the one hand, they allow our vulnerable citizens access to a few days of rest and entertainment. While, at the same time, they give the opportunity to many places in Greece to emerge at this level.

 

You are concerned about the “monoculture” of this sector and the dangers of “over-tourism”. How do we preserve the character of the most popular destinations in particular?

Without a doubt, the tourism boom has contributed decisively to the growth of our economy and the exit from the adventure of the previous decade. It has attracted significant investments in the country and contributes to the increase in the income of many Greek citizens. It will therefore remain a key driver of growth and prosperity. It is not, however, a monoculture, as the production model of our economy is constantly evolving. Already exports, industry and manufacturing, as well as technology, are fields that also show huge potential alongside tourism.

 

‘ Tourism is a right that concerns Greek citizens
and in particular those who are not in great financial comfort ‘

 

On the contrary, in tourism the challenge of saturation of certain areas is real. That is why the State is not a spectator. But it acts to ensure that development is coordinated and with rules that apply to all. For a few weeks now, the MyCoast app has been available where everyone can see which part of the beach has been allocated and which is free to all, asking the authorities to intervene if necessary. Also, with the new framework for arbitrary building, inspections will be organised and demolitions will proceed quickly, with the responsibility of the state and the ally of technology. While in 2025 the Local and Special Urban Plans will be completed, which will clearly define what is allowed and what is not allowed throughout the country.

 

Internationally, we are in the midst of a twin transition: green and digital. How is our country adapting to the new era?

Greece is making rapid progress in this direction. With the use of technology spreading throughout the state. From gov.gr, which today offers over 1,750 digital services to citizens, freeing them from queues and unnecessary hassle. Up to the use of artificial intelligence to curb tax evasion or to tackle forest fires. While small and medium enterprises are adopting digital tools to improve their product and address the Greek and international audience.

 

 

At the same time, we are rapidly moving towards a green transition. Our country is currently the first in Europe in the penetration of solar energy and seventh in the penetration of wind energy in electricity generation. We are also investing in the electrical interconnections of our islands. We give a premium to green road and sea transport. And we are establishing charging stations on roads and ports, thus gradually replacing fossil fuels and reducing energy costs for businesses and households.

 

 

Finally, we protect biodiversity in every corner of the country and clean up the seas and coasts from plastic waste and microplastics. While we are expanding the GR-Eco islands initiative to more islands. With the aim of transforming them into centres of innovation and models of the green economy. These are just some of our “green” actions.

 

What do the upcoming European elections mean for Greece? How will they affect our lives in the coming years? And what are your priorities for the next five years?

Everything I have just mentioned would not be possible if we did not have more than 70 billion. in total, from the Recovery Fund and the NSRF. Resources that I personally negotiated and today are being used to transform the economy and change the face of the country. With major public works, such as the Athens and Thessaloniki Metro and the roads that run through the country. But also with initiatives that improve the everyday life of every Greek. From the renovation of our hospitals and the extension of free screening, to the operation of the digital school and tutorial.

 

‘ The MyCoast application is available in which the

everyone can see which part of the beach

has granted and which is free to all,

Requesting the intervention of the authorities if necessary ‘

 

In the next five years, the European stakes will be high and the Greek claims will be specific. A new Common Agricultural Policy for which we have already tabled 11 changes in favour of our farmers. For centralised control of accuracy from the unfair practices of the multinational giants. To jointly address the issue of migration. And, of course, for a new Defence Fund for Europe, so that its external borders can be effectively shielded.

 

This is what I mean when I say that the June showdown has a European dimension, but a national content. Because more Europe means more for Greece. That is why I call for the citizens’ vote to strengthen the national voice in Brussels. To claim and achieve even more for the country. At the same time, giving the message that the domestic political scene will have the confidence and stability that will allow the necessary reforms to continue with greater momentum.

 

In conclusion, I would like you to tell me three typical destinations around Greece that a Greek or not should visit in order to get to know our country.

I’m going to go off the beaten path a little bit. Choosing three areas with character that make up the puzzle of all that our country has to offer. Starting from my hometown, Chania. A city with a rich history, from the Venetian and Ottoman periods to the Union and the resistance during World War II. Where one can enjoy the unique local cuisine, sandy beaches and picturesque mountain villages.

I will move on to Zagori, which was recently declared a Unesco World Heritage Site. Recognizing the unique architecture of its 46 settlements that attract visitors all year round. But also the need to keep it intact in perpetuity. A unique place that invites us to experience the whole of Epirus.

And, finally, I would suggest the Aigai. Where the magnificent restored palace of Philip II, one of the most important monuments in the country, awaits us. A monument that confirms the timeless Greek identity of Macedonia and is in itself an artifact of world culture. As well as the centre of Northern Greece which still has unexplored beauties.