With the speech of Prime Minister and New Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the proceedings of the first day of the 16th New Democracy Congress, held at the Metropolitan Expo, come to a close.

“We are determined to move forward together for the Greece of 2030,” Kyriakos Mitsotakis said at the beginning of his speech. “I am by your side, on the front line,” the Prime Minister emphasized, adding that “today’s unprecedented reception is the best answer to those who wish us weakened.”

16th New Democracy Congress | Day 1

“We will explain why we are seeking a third term, but first let us remember where we were, where we are, and where we are going—our successes, but also our mistakes,” the Prime Minister underlined, referring back to Greece’s situation a decade ago, with unemployment at 25% and young people leaving the country.

“The Greece of bankruptcy is now at the forefront of growth in Europe,” he stressed.

“I am sorry and I am angry seeing inflation erode incomes, even though they are rising—this is a global phenomenon that is undermining a major national effort. The only solution is tax cuts and permanent wage increases that remain stable even when inflation gradually subsides,” he noted.

“We have earned trust and acceptance from the many,” the Prime Minister continued, “we have brought closer to us people who have never voted for us before.”

“In 2016, along with Greece, New Democracy also changed—it doubled its strength, winning three national elections, two European elections, and two local government battles. Above all, we gained trust and acceptance from the many; ND managed to evolve into a broad current of progress and resistance to populism. Without labels and always without arrogance or conceit, we listen and discuss, we feel and respond, we unite and try,” he added.

Over the past decade, we have made major steps forward, the Prime Minister and ND president continued in his review, while also emphasizing goals for the next term in the sectors of Health, Education, and Artificial Intelligence. He also highlighted Greece’s transformation into an international energy hub and stressed that he will have the honor of being the Prime Minister during whose term drilling operations will begin.

The slogan “we said it, we did it” is more than just four words, Mitsotakis said. It is our passport of credibility, he added, meaning that what we say, we turn into action—both for what we have already done and for what we are planning for tomorrow. Holding the party’s 2023 election program in his hands, he declared: “If one re-reads the 2023 program, they will see that we remained faithful to our commitments—and beyond.”

He also referred once again to occupations in public universities, saying that “we broke them all up.”

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The 16th Congress of New Democracy is starting shortly with the opening speech by the head of the organizing committee, Theodoros Roussopoulos, followed by a speech from Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

The doors of the Metropolitan Expo opened early so that delegates could collect their credentials. Informal gatherings were already in full swing from 17:30, while senior party officials, MPs, and ministers gradually arrived at the venue.

These informal “side conversations” were centered around MPs, ministers, and experienced party officials, with key topics including the party’s electoral readiness and political scenarios involving other parties.

Shortly before 7:00 p.m., Prime Minister and New Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis arrived at the congress venue.

19:21 (15/05/2026)
Kyriakos Mitsotakis has entered the congress hall at the ND conference.

19:01
The congress hall at Metropolitan Expo is packed – watch video

18:56
Arrivals of party officials continue at Metropolitan Expo, including: Dimitris Kairidis, Andreas Loverdos, Nikitas Kaklamanis, Margaritis Schinas, Dora Bakoyannis, Kostas Skrekas, Kostas Bakoyannis, Christos Triantopoulos, Makarios Lazaridis, Gina Oikonomou, Giorgos (Gregoris) Dimitriadis, Lefteris Avgenakis.