The Greek government’s measures to address migration, following increased flows from Libya, were announced in Parliament by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who earlier had met with the Minister of Migration, Thanos Plevris, at the Maximos Mansion.
Among other things, Mr. Mitsotakis announced a three-month suspension of asylum applications for those arriving in Greece from North Africa by sea. He also announced the establishment of a permanent closed structure in Crete (with the option of creating a second), where those entering the country illegally will be detained. Simultaneously, he emphasized that the government continues its dialogue with Libya and expressed the readiness of the Armed Forces to prevent boats from departing the African country’s shores.
Watch the Prime Minister’s speech on video
In his statement on migration, the Prime Minister said:
“Let me begin with some initial comments on migration and Libya. A response from Brussels will follow soon. But let me inform you about certain decisions made by the Greek government. You know the numbers of illegal migrants who have arrived in Crete in recent weeks. This emergency situation requires emergency measures. The government has decided to notify the European Commission that with a regulation we will submit tomorrow in Parliament, we will proceed with:
- Suspension of asylum application examinations for 3 months for those arriving in Greece from North Africa by sea. This is a necessary temporary reaction based on the legal argument we used during the Evros border crisis. Migrants entering the country will be arrested and detained. As you know, yesterday a rescue operation took place off southern Crete. The rescued individuals will be transferred to Lavrio and from there to closed facilities under the Migration Ministry.
- Creation of a permanent closed facility in Crete, to detain those entering illegally. A second facility may also be created.
- Ongoing talks with Libya, with both the legitimate government of Western Libya and the Eastern administration. The Armed Forces are ready to cooperate with Libyan authorities to prevent the departure of boats from Libya’s coast.
Let’s all be clear, and I await the opposition’s position. The government is sending a message of determination: the route to Greece is closing. It is a message to all smugglers and potential customers that the money they spend may be entirely wasted. Obviously, our response will be legal and very strict. Therefore, we will inform the national assembly in more detail when the regulation is submitted tomorrow for a vote.”
In his second speech, Mr. Mitsotakis, referring to the opposition, said:
“Three remarks, Mr. Androulakis. Regarding the core of the bill and the state of the Greek economy, history will show that the government managed to lay solid fiscal foundations, charting a path for growth and boosting household income. When we initiated tough reforms, like linking POS systems, you didn’t fight for them. We fought alone, politically and operationally—and that battle is now vindicated. That’s where the €1 billion now returning to society comes from. Many talked about these things, but our government implemented them.
I didn’t understand your comments on defense spending. As you know, Greece has always had high defense expenditures—around 3% of GDP—even before EU discussions began. The escape clause provides us with additional but limited fiscal space. We have 3% defense spending and still a surplus. That’s prudent fiscal management. What you should tell us is whether the Greek government is right to support the Armed Forces and their personnel.
Regarding your announcements about the new EKAS, we’ll see. In the next elections, party programs will be scrutinized for their fiscal impact. We’ll wait to see the real costing of your platform.”
On foreign policy, Mitsotakis said:
“If I understood correctly, you’re blaming us for the civil war in Libya. Look—this government conducts real foreign policy on the ground. When we negotiate and issue research permits to major corporations south of Crete, they are recognizing our national sovereignty. They came to us, not to the Libyans. When the Libyans announced their own blocks, they recognized our red lines.
PASOK’s law looked good on paper—we made it a reality. In 2010, how close were we to defining an EEZ with Libya? Under George Papandreou, and yet you backed down. You didn’t define the EEZ with Libya when you could have. We did—with Egypt. We defined EEZs with Egypt and Italy, and you didn’t when you had the chance.”
On migration, he added:
“Mr. Androulakis, you say we shouldn’t suspend asylum applications. But let me say this: the reason we’re suspending them is to send a message to smugglers and their clients. When they arrive in Greece, they’ll be held in a closed facility without their application being processed.
Ms. Konstantopoulou, you belong to the group that claims Greece has no borders. We have a different view and pursue a different policy. We support our Armed Forces and the Coast Guard in this effort. We will not undermine our uniformed personnel for you to exploit them in your political games. No—we are not all the same.”
On the OPEKEPE issue, Mitsotakis said:
“Mr. Androulakis, we have much to say—but not today—on your party’s past actions. I consider you a young and respectable politician, but when addressing this party, do not use the term ‘blue gang.’ I will not accept it from a party that has left such a mark on Greek politics as PASOK has.”
Watch the Prime Minister’s second speech
Speaking in his opening statement on the Finance Ministry’s bill on “the reform of the fiscal management framework,” the Prime Minister emphasized that every November:
- Low-income pensioners, people with disabilities, and uninsured elderly citizens will receive an additional €250, apart from their pensions and other entitlements.
- Tenants of primary residences and university students across Greece will receive a monthly rent subsidy of up to €800 to cover fixed expenses.
Mitsotakis vs. Tsipras on 2015: He Desperately Seeks to Cleanse His Disastrous Role
Meanwhile, Mitsotakis launched a fierce attack on Alexis Tsipras regarding the discussion about the July 6, 2015 political leaders’ council minutes, ten years after the referendum.
“Mr. Tsipras desperately seeks to cleanse his disastrous role. And of course, with help from familiar centers willing to serve as laundromats for one of the darkest periods in our recent history,” the Prime Minister said, and added:
“History is relentless. The sad anniversary of the 2015 referendum will forever remind us how much the SYRIZA-ANEL gamble cost our country—fooling the public about ending the Memoranda, only to push Greece to the brink of exiting Europe. Then burdening Greeks with wage cuts, tax hikes, and national division. These memories make the belated attempt to rebrand his political image all the more outrageous.”
“It’s a wasted effort,” the Prime Minister continued. “How can Mr. Tsipras claim the referendum farce was meant to keep Greece in Europe, when even today his comrades still defend it? Where are the drums that were supposed to make the markets dance? Society now knows. The so-called ‘first-time Left’ didn’t fool the Europeans—it fooled the Greeks.”
“Opportunities and trust were lost. An entire generation emigrated without hope. And all this led by someone who lied in opposition, set the country back as prime minister, and was defeated five times in national elections. Now, as an ordinary MP, he has zero parliamentary activity. Let him explain his rebranding campaign. No matter how many profiles are crafted or logos changed, the mirror will always reflect his actions, the country’s wounds, and the people’s lived experience. Beyond words, there are the consequences the people endured due to Tsipras’ delusion. Alongside the minutes of the party leaders, there are the ‘minutes of the people’ at the ballot box. These affirm that this government is the only one capable of leading Greece forward,” Mitsotakis concluded.
On the Economy
The Prime Minister stressed that the Greek economy will continue on the path of fiscal stability, returning growth gains to society:
“The focus today is on those hit by inflation—particularly low-income pensioners. Specifically, renters and students will receive a rent subsidy every November. This will also encourage proper declaration of rental income. Furthermore, low-income pensioners, people with disabilities, and uninsured elderly citizens will receive an annual aid of €250 in addition to their pensions.”
“Lastly, an additional €500 million has been allocated to the Public Investment Program.”
Attack on PASOK
Finally, Mitsotakis criticized PASOK, saying:
“While the government is legislating these initiatives, the opposition’s stance is beneath the circumstances. I’m referring to parties like PASOK, which voted ‘present’ in the Parliamentary Ethics Committee vote on lifting the immunity of 14 New Democracy MPs for the crime of high treason. That’s too much. Words lose their meaning. Especially when parties like PASOK adopt the practices of Golden Dawn and Greek Solution. At the very least, Mr. Androulakis, save appearances in the upcoming vote.”
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