In an interview with Mega on Friday afternoon, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis discussed the “internal opposition,” the 50th anniversary of the founding of New Democracy, and the government’s priorities for the next three years. During the Live News program with Nikos Evangelatos, Mr. Mitsotakis also touched on the street party taking place that afternoon at the old New Democracy offices in Rigillis. He commented on the absence of former Prime Ministers Antonis Samaras and Kostas Karamanlis, stating that he had done his duty by inviting them and emphasizing that today is a day of celebration for New Democrats.
“I have done my duty; I personally invited them, and from there I will repeat that today is dedicated not to the leaders, not to the former Prime Ministers, but to the ordinary New Democrat. I believe today is a day of celebration and joy, a day of unity for the party, and that is how we will remember it,” he said in response to whether everyone should be present at this celebration. “That will be judged; I am the last one to judge it. As I said, I have done my duty.”
During the interview, he highlighted several key points. He mentioned that the “My House 2” initiative was a personal negotiation with the Recovery Fund and clarified that the number of public properties is not as extensive as reported. If anyone believes there is a database with 200,000 closed properties, then they are mistaken. He indicated that there will be further price reductions in supermarkets and food products, noting that the household basket has significantly increased in price over the past three years. He attributed this situation to a permanent increase in public income.
Regarding technology, he stated that the program with lockers is still in its pilot phase, as they want to see if the mobile can work effectively when placed in a bag. He added that upcoming interventions concerning mobile devices will focus on companies and algorithms that serve content to minors. Mitsotakis pointed out that many lives have been saved thanks to efforts against domestic violence and the panic button initiative, which has encouraged women to report incidents, knowing that the state will support them.
The Prime Minister expressed optimism about the significant progress in sports, emphasizing that the current condition of the stadiums is vastly improved compared to a year ago. He addressed international matters, stating that The Hague is never close, and if asked, he would affirm that they want to explore parameters for substantive discussions regarding their significant differences with Turkey, particularly concerning the delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean.
Looking ahead, he mentioned that Christodoulides and Tatar will meet in New York in October to restart negotiations on the Cyprus issue, noting that Greece has played a decisive role in improving relations with Turkey. He also remarked on the significance of monitoring oil prices and affirmed that Israel has the right to defend itself, especially in light of recent attacks from Iran, where a Greek was shot while working for the University.
Mitsotakis acknowledged the persistent issue of red loans for agricultural cooperatives, describing it as a burden from the past, and commended the government for courageously addressing this problem. He highlighted that since taking office, New Democracy MPs have submitted over 6,000 questions. He attributed the party’s significant lead in the polls over the second party to both the current state of the opposition and the policies that have been implemented.
He emphasized that New Democracy is a liberal center-right party dedicated to serving the good of the many, and noted that the party draws strength from its defeats and momentum from its victories. When asked about past mistakes, he stated, “Especially today, I would not want to respond to the mistakes we have made.” Looking ahead, he assured that in the next three years, they would see the implementation of their program and acknowledge past errors, but today is not a day for self-criticism; instead, it is a day of joy.
Finally, Mitsotakis reiterated that he had fulfilled his duty by inviting both Antonis Samaras and Kostas Karamanlis, emphasizing that today belongs to the New Democrats. He concluded by stating that he would not speak extensively at the celebration in Rigillis and expressed his commitment to fulfilling the promises he made to the Greek people. He affirmed that they have opened the party to society and remained faithful to the values of their party’s founder, noting that Konstantinos Karamanlis taught them that New Democracy is the party of realism and is the most reliable party in the country.
