Closing his speech, Prime Minister Mitsotakis emphasized, “We keep Greece high, we care for all Greeks.” He concluded with the key message of the Thessaloniki International Fair: putting Greece first while prioritizing the well-being of every citizen.

The Prime Minister took aim at the opposition, noting that based on the stance of other parties, the political landscape struggles to meet the demands of the times. He added that it seems ironic for the government to face criticism even for the shortcomings of its opponents. Mitsotakis also shared a Cretan proverb: “Greet the pedestrian when you mount your horse, so he greets you when you dismount.” On education, he announced plans to invite opposition parties to submit their proposals for the implementation of the National High School Diploma, emphasizing the need for a broad national dialogue.

Strong Message Against Price Gouging
Prime Minister Mitsotakis vowed that the government will not hesitate to intervene in retail electricity prices, as it has done in the past.

“Putting in the Effort Every Day”
He emphasized that citizens expect their leaders to work hard daily and not let power go to their heads.

Political Message
Mitsotakis added that it is better to have a government that tries and may make mistakes than to have a wrong government.

Broad Consensus Needed for Four Major Reforms

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized that 2026 and 2027 are key milestones, but the ultimate goal is 2030. He outlined four major reforms that aim to transform the country permanently, extend beyond a single government’s term, and require broad political consensus:

1. National High School Diploma – A major change to unify university admission standards, to be discussed and implemented collaboratively over the next four years.
2. Completion of the New National Health System (ESY) – A health system for all Greeks, to be improved quickly with cross-party agreement, ensuring hospitals are not caught in political disputes or protests.
3. Modern Urban Planning and Complete Land Registry – Municipal planning authorities will move under the national land registry to eliminate inefficiencies and corruption, serving their intended purpose.
4. National Energy Map for the Coming Decades – A long-term reform promoting energy autonomy and affordable electricity, requiring dialogue and consensus across the political spectrum.

Mitsotakis also highlighted the creation of four private universities, two of them in Thessaloniki, opening this September, marking a significant development in Greece’s higher education landscape.

The Prime Minister sent a message aimed at rebranding the opposition, stating: “Enough with the burdens of yesterday and those who want to preserve them today.” He also addressed longstanding bureaucratic issues, highlighting the need for reform in public institutions. Referring specifically to the case of OPEKEPE, he emphasized that “the state continues to be beset by decades-old pathologies, which were not eradicated even by previous governments. But we respond with action. OPEKEPE will be fully reformed.”

Underlined were also salary increases for uniformed personnel and diplomats, introducing a new, upgraded pay scale for members of the Armed Forces, Hellenic Police, Fire Service, Coast Guard, and the Diplomatic Corps. The total number of beneficiaries across the Armed Forces and security services is 151,422. additional measures to ease the financial burden on citizens and businesses. He confirmed a 30% reduction in imputed living expenses, offering relief to households across the country. For small and medium-sized enterprises, he stressed further simplification of licensing procedures, particularly for industrial investments, aiming to boost economic activity. Pensioners will also benefit, as the personal difference is being abolished, granting an extra advantage to 671,000 retirees alongside the relief provided by the newly reduced tax rates.

The Prime Minister outlined incentives to encourage returning to rural areas, including halving property tax (ENFIA) from 2026 for villages under 1,500 residents and fully abolishing it by 2027. A 30% VAT reduction will apply to remote islands with fewer than 20,000 inhabitants. Additionally, a lower 25% tax rate applies to rental income between €12,000–24,000, with further cuts if actual rents are declared. Plans also include building 2,000 apartments on former military sites—25% reserved for military personnel and 75% for citizens without a primary residence.

Initiatives to declare actual rental income, including a reduced tax rate of 25% for rental earnings between €12,000 and €24,000, with further reductions in property taxation under consideration.

Announced were also a bold tax measure in favor of young workers: zero income tax for those up to 25 years old earning up to €20,000, and a reduced rate of 9% (from 22%) for ages 26–30. The initiative provides significant annual benefits: for those under 25 earning €15,000, the gain is €1,283; earning €20,000, €2,480; and for ages 26–30 earning €20,000, €1,300. Additionally, an intermediate 39% tax rate will apply for families of Greeks living abroad, down from 44%.

Highlighted were measures for young adults aged 25–30, announcing a reduced income tax rate of 9% instead of 22%. He added that the most significant intervention targets the youngest, with zero income tax for those up to 25 years old, aiming to support the new generation and ease their financial burden.highlighted measures for young adults aged 25–30, announcing a reduced income tax rate of 9% instead of 22%. He added that the most significant intervention targets the youngest, with zero income tax for those up to 25 years old, aiming to support the new generation and ease their financial burden.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized “The Hour of the Middle Class and the Greek Family,” announcing a 2-point reduction in all tax rates, with additional cuts per child. For incomes of €10,000–€20,000, rates drop from 22% to 18% for one child, 16% for two, 9% for three, and zero for four or more children, yielding annual savings up to €1,680 for a family with four children. For €30,000 income, families save from €400 up to €4,100 depending on the number of children. For incomes of €40,000–€60,000, an intermediate rate of 39% replaces the current 44%. This bold reform aims to support families and strengthen the middle class.

The Prime Minister presented what he called the biggest and boldest tax reform yet, aimed at raising incomes for all. He underlined that every measure is fully costed and aligned with EU rules, adding that reforms create the fiscal space to support incomes against rising prices. The best way to return the dividend of growth to citizens, he stressed, is not through handouts but through tax cuts.

A firm message to Turkey regarding Cyprus, stressing that Greece will make no concessions on national security or its place at the heart of Europe. He warned against “diplomatic balancing acts,” noting that equating the aggressor with the victim could open the door to pressure for recognizing faits accomplis in Cyprus. Looking ahead, he declared his intention to “step on the gas” so that by 2027 a new, even more successful four-year term with fewer mistakes can begin for both his party and the country.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis highlighted his government’s fiscal approach, stressing that through prudent economic policy, taxes were reduced, spending was contained, and the focus remains on supporting every Greek household’s income against rising costs of living. He also emphasized that strong growth and tackling tax evasion bring in higher revenues, which must be returned to citizens as a “dividend of growth.” He also drew a clear line on foreign policy, stating that Greece cannot equate the aggressor with the victim.

The Prime Minister’s speech has begun, with Kyriakos Mitsotakis opening his address by referring to the new generation.

The slogan of the 89th Thessaloniki International Fair: “We raise Greece high! We care for all Greeks!”

At 19:30, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis arrived at the “I. Vellidis” Conference Center, accompanied by his wife, Mareva, where he was greeted with applause and cheers. His speech is expected to focus on two main directions: new economic measures for 2026 and long-term reforms with a horizon up to 2030, which he will stress require broad political consensus. Ahead of his address, political figures and representatives of production bodies gathered at the venue, while in the streets of Thessaloniki, labor unions, students, and activist groups organized rallies and marches. The government’s intervention package is estimated at around €1.7 billion, with an additional €1.5 billion in permanent measures already announced.

Konstantinos Kyranakis

Giogios Floridis

Pensioners are awaiting the abolition of the “personal difference,” while uniformed officers expect double benefits from both salary increases and tax adjustments. The prime minister is also set to unveil a significant package of direct tax cuts aimed at the middle class, employees, freelancers, and uniformed personnel.

Lina Medoni

Nikos Chardalias

Rania Thraskia

Grigoris Dimitriadis