Referring specifically to the Karystianou party, the prime minister remarked that “there is a long distance between being the parent of a victim of a tragedy and being the leader of a political party.”

Farmers

On the issue of farmers, he clarified that “the framework of government interventions has already been announced. I cannot provide additional funding. This is not permitted by the state budget, by principles of social fairness, or by European constraints.”

Remarks by Edi Rama

The prime minister also commented on remarks made by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama regarding the relationship between modern Greeks and Ancient Greeks, describing them as “inappropriate” and a “misjudged statement,” adding that he noted the subsequent correction.

The interview

The interview began with Mr Mitsotakis referring to the arrival in Greece of the frigate Kimon. He said that “for me personally, and for all Greeks, the arrival of the frigate Kimon was a day of hope and confidence. It is the first of four Belharra frigates and the first ship we have received in the past 30 years. It symbolizes national capability and a Greece that is changing with optimism.”

He added that Greece is “a pillar of stability in a troubled region” and that the Armed Forces are “very different from what we inherited after a decade-long crisis.”

Meeting with Erdoğan in early February

Mr Mitsotakis said he expects to meet President Erdoğan in the first half of February. He described the meeting as part of an open dialogue with Turkey, which he has consistently supported. Greece’s position, he said, is that the only issue for discussion is the delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), provided Turkey abandons what Greece considers unfounded claims.

He stressed that disagreement does not mean permanent tension and noted that there are areas of cooperation, such as migration and visa facilitation.

No additional financial support for farmers

Regarding his meeting with farmers, the prime minister said he would listen to their concerns but reiterated that the existing support framework cannot be expanded. He acknowledged the reasons behind recent mobilizations, including issues related to OPEKEPE payments, but said that payments had been completed more accurately and transparently.

Elections in spring 2027

Mr Mitsotakis confirmed that national elections will be held in spring 2027. He commented that it is unusual to measure in opinion polls political parties that have not yet been formally announced, repeating that being a victim’s parent and leading a political party are very different roles.

He reiterated his support for stable, single-party governments and said that political stability is necessary for wage growth, investment, and defense spending.

Constitutional reform and education

The prime minister said that a constitutional revision process would begin in the coming months, including proposed changes to Articles 86 and 16. He also announced the start of a national dialogue on upper secondary education (Lyceum), to reach a broadly supported proposal within 6–9 months.

Other issues

Mr Mitsotakis also addressed:

• Road safety, noting a reduction in fatal traffic accidents in 2025
• Youth violence and mental health
• Social media regulation for minors
• International issues, including Venezuela and Greenland
• Air traffic management and infrastructure upgrades

He concluded with brief personal remarks, including references to television series and international film productions in Greece.