“I’m moved,” said Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis regarding the opening of the Thessaloniki Metro, during an interview on Ant1, in which he announced his candidacy for the premiership in 2027. He emphasized his belief in single-party governments and also touched upon Greek-Turkish relations.
Regarding the issue of the next President of the Republic and in response to a related question, the Prime Minister stated that he is not ready to have such a discussion privately with Mr. Androulakis, as he has not yet reached a decision on the proposal, thus admitting for the first time that the matter is open.
Interview with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis
A few days after the expulsion of Antonis Samaras from the parliamentary group of New Democracy (ND), he stressed that it is offensive to question his patriotism, while making it clear that Greece is stronger than ever, both militarily and geopolitically.
He also clarified in his interview on Ant1 that there is no issue of cohesion within ND and ruled out the possibility of early elections, stating they would take place in two and a half years.
On the Thessaloniki Metro
Initially, regarding the Thessaloniki Metro, Mr. Mitsotakis said, “We went through 40 waves” (i.e., faced many challenges) and didn’t fail to mention the chronic issues of the past that have now been overcome.
“There will be a unified ticket for citizens,” the Prime Minister stressed.
Speaking about Thessaloniki, he compared it to one of the most modern hubs in the Balkans and added, “We are investing in Western Thessaloniki.”
Closure
He also referred to an innovation hub, envisioning Thessaloniki as a city that will attract technology companies, addressing a market of 50 million people from Istanbul to the Balkans.
“The government cannot be blackmailed by anyone”
Regarding the Karypidis case, he stressed that the government is neither threatened nor blackmailed by anyone, adding, “We do not intervene in matters of law.”
“The image in our stadiums is nothing like last year’s,” he noted at another point.
“Our stadiums now resemble European ones,” he added.
“It was this government’s initiative to start the discussion on the return of the Marbles”
On the Parthenon Marbles, he emphasized that the discussion on their return was initiated by him, and if they are eventually returned, it will be a vindication.
“We have a strategic partnership with the UK,” he further stated.
On Freddy Beleri and the Prespa Agreement
Regarding the Freddy Beleri case, he said that relations with Albania have gone through turbulence and that Mr. Beleri is an elected MEP, representing the rights of the minority in the EU.
“Greece has every reason to support Albania in its EU accession process,” he noted at another point.
“However, Albania must fulfill its commitments,” the Prime Minister emphasized.
He also clarified that Greece possesses strong negotiating power.
As for the Prespa Agreement, Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated, “We are moving in the right direction,” while at another point, he stressed that North Macedonia will realize it’s not in its interest to insist on issues that distort the agreement.
“No one disputes that we are militarily stronger”
On Greek-Turkish relations, he said, “We have one major difference, concerning the delimitation of the EEZ and the continental shelf.”
“Turkey insists on raising many other issues. This doesn’t mean we can’t discuss other matters,” he added.
“We’ve had talks about grey zones in the past; nothing has changed,” he said meaningfully, emphasizing, “We are stronger militarily and geopolitically, and this is indisputable.”
“We’ve lowered the tension in the Aegean,” he added.
On Antonis Samaras
Following the tension caused by statements from former Prime Minister and ND president Antonis Samaras, he stated it is irritating and offensive to question the patriotism of both himself and the Defense Minister.
“It is irritating and offensive to question my patriotism, and I am not referring to the two former Prime Ministers, but to the criticism from our right flank. What’s the alternative? To go to war with Turkey?” he specifically remarked.
“We are the leading political force,” he emphasized, adding, “I don’t see an alternative proposal having been formed.”
He also pointed out that the majority of Greeks seek calm waters and the continuation of talks with Turkey.
“The issue is to resolve differences without unnecessary provocations,” he noted.
“We have no cohesion problem in ND”
Regarding ND’s cohesion, he stated that there is no issue: “We are the strongest political force.”
“No alternative plan has been developed,” he stressed.
However, he spoke of logical wear and tear due to a long tenure.
“Elections in 2.5 years”
On the electoral law, he said it would not change and that elections would be held in two and a half years, “an eternity in politics.”
He also clarified that he will run for Prime Minister in 2027, adding that he believes in single-party governments.
On the next President of the Republic
Regarding the Presidency of the Republic, he left the issue open about who would be proposed for the position.
“We will announce it at the appropriate time,” he said.
“We’ve cut 72 taxes”
On inflation and incomes, Mr. Mitsotakis stated, “We’ve cut 72 taxes.”
“The reductions in taxes and the increases in wages were offset by inflation,” he added.
“Our estimate is that inflation will decrease,” he said, emphasizing that by 2027, they will achieve their goals.
