The Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis gave a comprehensive interview on the main news bulletin of SKAI. He announced the government’s decision to subsidize fluctuating electricity bills for July and August, following significant price increases in recent months.
Earlier today, under the presidency of Kyriakos Mitsotakis, a broad consultation was held at the Maximos Mansion where all data concerning the rise in electricity prices was examined. The detailed presentation of the measures is expected tomorrow morning by the Minister of Environment and Energy, Mr. Theodoros Skilakakis.
The Prime Minister initially referred to the attempted assassination of Trump, saying it was a savage event. “Political violence has no place in our democracies. We’ve had political violence and terrorism in our homeland. The success of democracy lies in resolving political disagreements. We are opponents, not enemies, as I’ve said many times. It’s good for everyone to learn a lesson from what’s happening. Political positions that are threatening will not be accepted in our country,” he stated.
Mr. Mitsotakis said that there was obviously toxicity in our homeland. “Yesterday we saw unimaginable references to Polakis against a woman. He did not have the courage to apologize, and SYRIZA continues as if nothing happened. Unfortunately, ‘Polakism’ has a place in the new dictionary.”
He also referred to the Avgenakis case, saying that there were immediate sanctions and that he had been expelled from the party.
Regarding the Novartis case
It confirms what we had said about a political conspiracy. A lot of money was given so that some could perform their roles as protected witnesses, but this does not apply in Greece. It’s good that they are asking the masks to be removed; we do not forget what happened. Justice will decide. There is evidence that allows it to do so. What happened with SYRIZA was the most miserable thing I have seen in politics. Ten political figures targeted for a case set up from start to finish.
On the election results
He said it wasn’t about individuals. “We are a government elected for major changes and reforms. We are implementing them. Our horizon is the four-year term,” he stated.
The electricity price increase
Mr. Mitsotakis stated that in the last 10 days, there has been a significant surge in wholesale energy prices across Southeastern Europe. The result of this market distortion will impact electricity bills in August and benefit producers. An emergency levy by the government on producers aims to alleviate the burden on citizens’ August bills. Consider this as an emergency tax to subsidize the levy for two months. Tomorrow, Skilakakis will provide further details in a press conference.
He also noted that we are facing European market distortions and emphasized that action is necessary rather than sitting idly.
On inflation
Regarding inflation, he mentioned it is a pan-European issue, a structural problem. “We are starting to see price de-escalation, which is an initial positive sign. I estimate that inflation will decrease further. To some extent, the measures have worked. There are indications of market cartelization that the competition commission must investigate.”
He also added, “There is no magic way to lower prices. What we can do is support household income. Increasing wages is a central policy goal.”
Mr. Mitsotakis also stated that the VAT will not be reduced. “I cannot adopt a measure that will take money away from the budget and be ineffective,” he noted.
