Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis conveyed the message that “Greece is a country of stability in an unstable world, with an economy that stands out as a positive exception in Europe” during the first Cabinet meeting of 2025. He described the upcoming year as “a crucial link in the chain that will ultimately lead us to the 2027 elections.”

Mitsotakis also highlighted reforms being promoted by the Ministry of the Interior concerning Public Sector Disciplinary Councils, emphasizing that it is unacceptable for “2,500 cases to remain stagnant, with final decisions taking up to five years.” In addition, he announced plans to introduce incentives for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to enter the Stock Exchange, along with regulatory measures aimed at protecting consumers in relation to cryptocurrencies.

The Prime Minister indirectly referred to recent comments made by Donald Trump regarding Greenland, the Panama Canal, Canada, and Mexico, as well as interventions by Elon Musk. He spoke of “unprecedented declarations about changes in spheres of influence and an extraordinary landscape where economic players are trying to influence political developments,” calling for a European Union-level response to these issues.

“2025 Will Be a Challenging Year”

“Before us lies a difficult year, marked by ongoing conflicts, the climate crisis, and tectonic shifts in the political landscape, particularly when we consider developments across the Atlantic,” Mitsotakis began. He described the current environment as “one not merely shadowed by declarations of geopolitical changes and shifts in spheres of influence, but also characterized by an unprecedented scenario where global economic actors seek to shape public opinion in many countries. This phenomenon, fueled by an insatiable consumption of fake news, poses a serious threat to Western civilization, rational discourse, and democracy.”

He emphasized that “the answers to these challenges cannot come solely from our country but must also be addressed at the highest levels of the European Union.” He reminded attendees that Greece “has been tested by populism and has paid a heavy price for easy solutions that ultimately proved unfeasible.”

Continuing, he stressed, “Greece is a country of stability in an unstable world, with a governing majority that inspires confidence amid developments in France, Germany, and Canada. We have an economy that stands out positively in Europe,” noting further reductions in inflation and citing strong performance in the holiday retail market as a positive indicator.

Reforms in Disciplinary Councils

Acknowledging that “problems still exist,” Mitsotakis highlighted the “initiative to ensure the smooth operation of the state, so that those who violate their duties are not left unpunished, and errors are corrected.”

He reminded those present that reforms to Disciplinary Councils “had already concerned me ten years ago, during my tenure as minister.” He pointed out the current backlog of “2,500 stagnant cases, with decisions sometimes taking up to five years.” He declared that “this situation is unacceptable,” outlining a new proposal that will involve more officials from the Legal Council of the State and set definitive deadlines for the final issuance of decisions. He described the reform as “a deeply political choice aimed at ensuring speed, transparency, and full accountability in public administration.”

Mitsotakis added, “We will also discuss the Ministry of Finance’s bill on the capital market. We will offer more incentives, particularly for SMEs, to enter the Stock Exchange so they can, in turn, contribute to the economy’s growth prospects.” As part of this plan, he announced that “we will bring order to the field of cryptocurrencies, which is currently murky. We will establish measures to protect the public, primarily through information campaigns. Our national framework will be aligned with the European one. It is easy for rumors of quick profit to circulate, but a serious state has a duty to warn its citizens of the risks posed by innovative tools that even those directly involved often do not fully understand.”

A Personal Note

Mitsotakis concluded his speech with “a slightly personal note, as on this day nine years ago, members and supporters of New Democracy honored me by electing me as party leader. It marked the beginning of an exciting journey that brought New Democracy to power. We are a political force committed to stability and growth. No leadership position is preordained; it depends on the implementation of government policies and hard work. The year 2025 is a crucial link in the chain that will ultimately lead us to the 2027 elections. Happy New Year, and let’s all work hard!”

The Prime Minister’s Address

Ahead of us lies a difficult year with war fronts, the climate crisis, and tectonic shifts when we consider what is happening on the other side of the Atlantic.

Unprecedented announcements about changes in spheres of influence are shaping a unique scenario where economic actors are attempting to influence political developments. These responses must be addressed at the European level.

We are a country that has been tested by populism and easy solutions that proved to be unfeasible.

Greece is a country of stability in an unstable world, with a governing majority that inspires confidence amid what is happening in France, Germany, and Canada. With an economy that stands as an optimistic exception in Europe.

The topics of the Cabinet meeting are as follows:

First, there will be a presentation by the Minister of National Economy and Finance, Kostis Hatzidakis, on the bill aimed at strengthening the capital market.

Next, the Minister of the Interior, Theodoros Livanios, and the Deputy Minister, Vicky Charalampogianni, will present the bill focused on more effective disciplinary justice and enhancing the public sector’s outreach.

Additionally, the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Christos Staikouras, will present a legislative proposal from his Ministry.

Following that, the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Christos Staikouras, will propose the tendering of the project for the connection of the Western Peripheral Avenue of Aigaleo with the Athens-Corinth National Road. This includes the interchanges of Skaramaga, Schistos, and the Shipyards.

Furthermore, the Minister of National Economy and Finance, Kostis Hatzidakis, will provide an update on the Public Debt Borrowing and Management Program.

Lastly, the Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance, Nikos Papathanasis, will present a proposal regarding Greece’s participation in the increase of the share capital of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.