PM Mitsotakis on SKAI this morning stated that over the past 14 months the Aegean was without violations underling that Turkey possibly recognised that such policy lines might develop other issues. However, he further stated that the result could also be due to Greece’s foreign policy noting that as a government they have dealt with Greece’s neighbours with certitude, defining the country’s red lines, strengthening the armed forces, and alliances. The PM underlined that Greece and Turkey have bygone the phase of tension expressing that, despite disagreements both sides can hold an enriched dialogue without prompting differences.
Regarding the marine parks, Mr. Mitsotakis vocalised that Greece has enhanced interests in environmental protection claiming that currently the country has marine parks on the islands of Alonnisos and Zakynthos further emphasising that the development of eco-friendly marine parks within the Greek territory are of no interest to Turkey. Mr Mitsotakis underlined that they will continue to proceed projects accordingly expressing that the development is purely within the sphere of environmental initiatives and has nothing to do with territorial waters or EEZs.
Greece’s PM discussed the opposition’s perspective exclaiming that the center-left are weighing in on sparing nationalism. Mr. Mitsotakis said that It would be easy to pursue a “proud” policy that some would applaud, and rhetorically addressed the question, “then what?” The Prime Minister conveyed Europe’s line on Hamas being a terrorist organisation expressing that although he comprehends polling pressure, he went further to state that foreign policy requires a sense of gravity.
Prespa Agreement
The Prime Minister expressed his disappointment with reference to Mr. Kassellakis adopting his predecessor’s practices on the Prespa Agreement, highlighting raised issues with the agreement particularly its recognition of “Macedonian” and “Macedonian” language. He issued a clear warning to the new government of Northern Macedonia that any deviation from the Prespa Agreement would have severe consequences to its path towards Europe.
Regarding the memoranda, the PM vocalised that SYRIZA is now demanding their ratification and the cancellation of a crucial tool for enforcing the agreement, which he labelled as “absurd.” The Prime Minister expressed not to ratify the memoranda until they are convinced of aggregate compliance of the Prespa Agreement. Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed his skepticism in view of the opposition’s pressure to submit the memoranda and its ultimate success, further refraining from commenting on Velopoulos’s patriotic statements tagging them as opportunistic.
European Elections: New Democracy on a path to repeat 2019 – Question of non-participants
European Elections
With reference to the European elections, the Prime Minister emphasised that a strong Greece in Europe brings more benefits to its citizens, making reference to the Recovery Fund and a European defense financial tool. Mr. Mitsotakis suggested in proposing joint projects and said that he is considering linking the European financial tool with common defense policy projects.
The Prime Minister voiced that he also intends to communicate with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, to request European intervention in multinational corporations’ pricing policies. Mr. Mitsotakis underlining the importance of transparency in various domains mentioning plans to pursue European intervention in the energy sector.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed his determination to achieve an average wage of 1500 euros and vocalised the weight of reducing unemployment. He also went further to express the possibility of reductions in employer contributions once there is fiscal space. The Prime Minister additionally referred to police intervention in cases of university demonstrations stating that he opposes revolutionary tourism and suggested implementing civil responsibilities for vandalism.
Violence Against Women
Mr. Mistotakis expressed that efforts are being made to educate police officers to handle incidents properly where an awareness campaign is underway to inform women about seeking authorities’ protection. The PM underlined that these policies aim to significantly reduce the problem of violence, though not solve it entirely. Mr. Mitsotakis further encouraged women to use shelters that are accessible to them.
Partisan Violence
Kyriakos Mitsotakis noted that there’s a noticeable increase in police presence in many neighborhoods underlining initiatives for better distribution of police forces by The Ministry of Citizen Protection which is boldly leading this change. As for the issue in relations to the pre-electoral climate, he vocalised that the opposition is attempting to use the European elections as a referendum against the government, possibly even calling for national elections. The PM expressed that they welcome this challenge as it aims for significant reforms. Mr. Mitsotakis further emphasised the need to maintain the government’s political legitimacy to carry out amendments effectively.
Non-State Universities
Announcements regarding this issue will be made soon note the PM remarking that there’s interest from universities in Europe and the US. Mr. Mitsotakis also discussed improvements in the public health system particularly, prevention and infrastructure enhancement. As for a cabinet reshuffle, he claimed confidence in his leadership, stating his readiness to represent Greece in Europe. With reference to sports and the Greek teams that qualified the Prime Minister pronounced the success of having Greek teams in European finals after a long time. Moreover, he expressed that he will not be attending any of the games only in the instance that two Greek teams make it to the final.
