The government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis criticized the upcoming political parties of Maria Karystianou and Alexis Tsipras in an interview on Direct with Giorgos Evgeneidis, arguing that “the people surrounding Karystianou do not suggest anything new,” while describing Tsipras’ party as “SYRIZA with a new tax ID number.”

Speaking on Direct, the government spokesperson defended the government’s strategy on national issues and announced forthcoming measures for the middle class and small and medium-sized enterprises, while also sending a deterrent message to Turkey.

Referring to the political activity around Maria Karystianou, Marinakis commented on the individuals appearing close to her and past events related to the Tempi train disaster, speaking of attempts to spread misinformation and fake news around a tragedy. “I don’t know who was behind all this. The opposition certainly participated, as did media outlets,” he said.

Asked about alleged links with Russia involving people close to Karystianou, he noted that it is still too early to draw safe conclusions.

Regarding Alexis Tsipras, he said his party is “SYRIZA with a new tax ID number,” arguing that “the policies and people in SYRIZA were Tsipras’ choices, so now the only thing that changes is the party name.” He continued his criticism, speaking of “easy promises, pleasant words, and populism,” adding that “his policies are unchanged.”

Marinakis stressed, however, that the main goal for New Democracy is not political confrontation with new parties, but evaluation of the government by citizens. “It is in our hands to convince people who voted for us through our work and our results,” he said.

He also referred to internal party balances following interventions by senior party officials at the party conference. Regarding Defense Minister Nikos Dendias’ intervention, he argued that “the individual positions of senior officials are always of interest, but that does not mean they are divisive.” He said that “New Democracy has endured over the years because it tolerates criticism and different views.” He also rejected claims of rivalry between Adonis Georgiadis and Nikos Dendias, saying “there is no match between them.”

He further commented on the relationship between the government and former prime minister Antonis Samaras, stating that “the Prime Minister’s wish is for those who have led the party to remain within New Democracy,” although he described Samaras’ expulsion as “inevitable.”

On national issues, Marinakis sent a clear message to Turkey, particularly regarding the “Blue Homeland” doctrine, stating: “If something like this is enacted, we will not stand idly by.” He clarified that Greece seeks open communication channels with Ankara, “but we do not compromise even slightly on our established positions.”

He also referred to universities, saying that “we lost four years with university police,” and supported the immediate installation of security cameras in universities: “Cameras must be installed yesterday.”

On the economy and social benefits, Marinakis emphasized that the government’s core policy is tax reduction rather than welfare benefits, and argued for reform of unemployment benefits so they are directed “where there is real need.”

He highlighted the middle class, calling it “the most neglected class,” and announced that the 2026 Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) “will be dedicated to businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises.”

Concluding, Marinakis said elections will take place in 2027 and that “on election night the country must have a government,” stressing that “the prime minister is chosen by the citizens, not behind closed doors by political insiders.”