Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis delivered his New Year’s message to the public in a televised speech expressing his optimism for 2023 despite the gloomy global conditions.

Mitsotakis referred to the positive steps taken in 2022 for the country but also to those coming in 2023, with the most basic being the increase in the minimum wage, which will be launched from April 1st and not from May 1st, as was originally announced.

The prime minister also emphasised that “if our first slogan was “fewer taxes”, the second must be “better wages”, decent health for all and affordable housing, especially for the young generation”.

As he underlined: “We welcome 2023 with optimism and with our weapon the truth, the plan, and the appetite for work”.

The Prime Minister’s New Year’s message:

“Today is New Year’s Eve and the threshold of 2023 becomes, thus, an opportunity to reflect on the many events we experienced together in the past year. Of the successive challenges that our country has managed. But also the great steps it took forward.

Because the new year finds Greece with the lowest unemployment since 2010. With investments, exports, and tourism revenues exceeding all expectations. With global business giants trusting the country and its future. And with the digital state serving the citizen, abolishing bureaucracy, and facilitating his daily life.

And still, with our borders secure and the national defence bolstered. Both with international bilateral agreements and with modern weaponry. Even the shipbuilding industry of the nation is reviving today. Mainly, however, with the state constantly raising ramparts in favour of society, facing sometimes the consequences of war and sometimes the attacks of international costs.

All these are not successes of the government. They are successes of Greece, which were realised thanks to your support for our initiatives. But also thanks to your understanding of any of our weaknesses. We always learn from them. After all, we have proven that together we can turn difficulties into opportunities, reaching each time, through the waves of uncertainty, to the opposite shore.

I am well aware that imported inflation is still eating away at the average income. That puts a lot of pressure, especially on our most vulnerable fellow citizens. As well as hindering the activity of our businesses. But you also know the many targeted efforts of the state to support the economy and society in every unforeseen test.

From the 1st of the month, pensioners will see, after many years, increases in their pensions. NHS doctors will see increases in their salaries. And now all Greeks will be relieved by the abolition of the Solidarity Levy. From February, too, the state will cover a significant part of the basic expenses of households. While on April 1, earlier than last year, the minimum wage will increase again.

So, we welcome 2023 with optimism. And as I have said, if our first slogan was ‘fewer taxes’, the second must be ‘better wages’, decent health for all and affordable housing, especially for the younger generation. Goals that certainly won’t come true overnight. Which have, however, been routed on the tracks of specific timetables.

We just need to stay united. With our weapon the truth, the plan and the appetite for work.

I wish health, joy and hope to all Greek women and to all Greek men, everywhere in the world. No one is left behind and everyone moves forward! This is our message for the new year. We can and we will achieve it!

Many years!”