Mr. Mitsotakis emphasized citizens’ call for fewer errors and greater effort, prioritizing concrete outcomes over rhetoric. He mentioned European election topics overlooked in discussions and endorsed a proposal for a common European defense policy. “I will advocate for a new Commission makeup to address multinational unfair practices and airspace protection,” he added.
He affirmed that European election results wouldn’t alter parliamentary relations, stressing the need for a clear forward path without distractions over the center or right shifts. Rejecting a return to outdated labels, he explained, “While respecting our roots, growth in our branches justifies their role.”
“We reject simplistic portrayals and uphold ND’s evolving tradition,” he said, citing ND’s electoral successes and criticizing opposition strife. “Our focus is on delivering solutions for citizens’ needs.”
Highlighting incidents in Evros, new frigates, alliances, and Rafale, he warned North Macedonia about international obligations and criticized actions hindering Albania’s EU accession. Referring to Prime Minister Rama’s aspirations, he humorously quipped, “Mr. Rama’s dreams follow the Greek proverb: ‘as he lays he will sleep.'”
Mitsotakis listed achievements like salary increases, pension adjustments, tax cuts, and refinery profit taxation for social support, emphasizing aid for vulnerable groups. He spoke of a four-year government vision despite challenges, citing “significant progress.”
“As the responsible faction, we shoulder the costs,” he noted, highlighting ministry visits and health priorities, focusing on modernization, tax evasion combat, and citizen protection.
He mentioned initiatives such as My House, seeking Recovery Fund backing for expansion to meet European living standards and benefit society. “Our aim is stable income and pension enhancements,” he concluded, highlighting government focus amid opposition crises, urging self-improvement from self-criticism, not political gain.
The Prime Minister stated that the outcome of the European elections does not change the parliamentary balances. “We must set a clear horizon. And to stay away from clouds that obscure the landscape, such as alleged false dilemmas about alleged shifts towards the center or right. Our path leads only forward. And we are far from outdated labels that in our era have mostly exhausted their significance,” he emphasized, rejecting talk of returning to roots. “We have never denied our roots, but a tree that does not grow, its roots are dry,” he said.
“We are not trapped in simplistic characterizations. Tradition for us in New Democracy is an element. We move through time renewing our thinking and our potential. We say no to those who want a small and timid New Democracy,” he said.
Mr. Mitsotakis, in his introductory remarks, outlined a series of key priorities for New Democracy for the coming months and years, given the “clean” political period until 2027 when the four-year term ends.
The Prime Minister appears determined for an open discussion with MPs, insisting that the ballot box message is for the government to do more work and make fewer mistakes, with more noticeable results and fewer delays.
At the session, more than 20 MPs appeared willing to speak. The Prime Minister’s goal was to record their concerns, aiming to strengthen New Democracy through the discussion. He will respond to MPs, many of whom visited Deputy Minister George Mavronikolas’ office in recent days, who also serves as a link between the Maximos Mansion and the Parliamentary Group due to his long tenure as Secretary General of the Parliament.
