The Prime Minister‘s speech concludes the three-day debate in Parliament on the motion of no confidence against the government.

PM Mitsotakis began his speech by apologizing for MP Dimitris Kyriazidis‘ insult to the president of Plefsis Eleftherias, saying that he separates the woman Zoe Konstantopoulou from the politician.

The Prime Minister then referred to the opposition’s criticism regarding the European Council Summit that took place yesterday in Brussels. Mr. Mitsotakis spoke about the government’s initiatives for a common fund for European defense, which were included in the conclusions of the Summit, as well as the escape clause and new defense investments.

Mr. Mitsotakis addressed the international challenges at this particular moment, emphasizing that the U.S. does not appear willing to provide security guarantees. He stressed that Greece’s role is crucial in this international context.

Greece will remain at the core of political decision-making, he emphasized.

“Whether you like it or not, this government will continue to have a parliamentary majority until the next elections,” Mr. Mitsotakis then said, addressing Nikos Androulakis.

Continuing to address the PASOK leader, he accused him of forming a coalition of willing allies and claimed that he lacked an alternative proposal. “I find it surprising that you come here,” he continued, speaking to Mr. Androulakis, “and legitimize populism and fake news with your signature and words. You are fueling the fire of the most extreme voices,” he added. “You think you speak on behalf of society, but you are merely the echo of your own nonexistence.”

“Your goal is to overthrow the government,” he continued. “And then who will take over?” he asked. “And with what program?” He accused the opposition of following a “let’s see where it goes” approach, attacking the four parties that signed the motion of no confidence. He went on to say that the government has a duty to protect the right to protest—but not for every troublemaker. “There is not just the law of the rioters,” he emphasized.

Referring to the Tempi train tragedy and allegations of a cover-up, Mr. Mitsotakis stated that the priority is the protection of human life. “We did not know how many were dead,” he stressed, accusing the opposition of lying. He added that if there were operational failures on the ground, they would be investigated by the judiciary.

“It is difficult to convince society that there was no cover-up,” the Prime Minister acknowledged, emphasizing that his words would be judged by the public. He spoke about long-standing responsibilities and the inadequacies of the state mechanism, which were exposed in the Tempi tragedy. “I courageously took the political responsibility that falls on me,” he asserted, adding, “If you believe that the trains operated perfectly under SYRIZA, you are gravely mistaken.”

He then proposed to Nikos Androulakis that they agree on four key issues in light of the constitutional revision. The Prime Minister stated that he was ready to move forward with changes to the provisions concerning the leadership of the judiciary, as well as the revision of Article 86 regarding ministerial accountability. He also called on the PASOK leader to support the constitutional establishment of public sector evaluations and the amendment of Article 16 concerning universities.