“The prime minister is elected by the people, not by political operators”: this was the political message Kyriakos Mitsotakis sent in his interview with the ANT1 evening news. Once again, speaking with Nikos Chatzinikolaou, the prime minister rejected scenarios of changing the electoral law or calling early elections. He also dismissed the suggestion that he seems to be choosing Alexis Tsipras as his main political opponent rather than Nikos Androulakis. He did not engage in a discussion about the “Tsipras party,” though he pointedly noted that it might “burn out in the warm-up.”

Regarding Turkey, Mitsotakis said there is an intention to meet with Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (in New York, during the UN General Assembly later this month). He reassured the Greek public, saying there is no risk of a “hot incident” in the Aegean, while stressing that this does not allow for complacency. He clarified that there is no question of disarming the islands or altering maritime zones, and as long as Ankara raises these issues, there is no possibility for the two sides to turn to The Hague to settle their differences. He also emphasized that the Greek and Turkish peoples have very little to divide them and referenced Giannis Antetokounmpo’s recent post: “sports unite.”

On migration, the prime minister rejected claims that Crete is “overrun” by illegal immigrants, defended Minister Plevris’ deportation measures, and did not rule out extending them. He also stressed that Greece will seek additional funds to secure its borders and prevent migration flows.

Finally, acknowledging that much remains to be done to tackle inflation, Mitsotakis referred to the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) announcements, highlighting that by November citizens will notice the return of one month’s rent, and from January 2026, the increase in real disposable income will be felt, thanks to tax reductions and exemptions, mainly benefiting young people up to 25 and families with children.

17/09/2025 20:01 – The Prime Minister is Elected by the People, Not Operators

Question: You said, and reaffirmed, that you will seek a third term. That you will lead New Democracy in the elections.
Those spreading scenarios that you might leave earlier are now putting a new scenario on the table. I have to ask you. They say that if New Democracy is the first party but does not have an outright majority, the way to remove Mitsotakis is cooperation with a third-party prime minister. I want to ask if you would be open to such a discussion…

Kyriakos Mitsotakis: You know…

Nikos Chatzinikolaou: With the parties… on the other side.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis: You are asking me now what could happen 18–20 months from now. Let me say one thing: the prime minister is elected by the people, not by political operators.
The people vote not only for a party—they vote for a prime minister as well. Now, the rest I don’t take very seriously… and, you know, I sometimes find it amusing because I see the “political kitchen,” in quotes, in which all of us—including you and me—participate in our own way, with a thousand people around Kolonaki Square discussing various scenarios. I don’t think these scenarios touch society at all.

Question: Why has New Democracy lost over 10% in two years?
It is normal for a government in power for six years to experience some erosion. Yes, New Democracy’s numbers have dropped, but they are still double those of PASOK, which is the second party. In April 2023, we were at 32%-33%, and we won with 40%. We should keep modest expectations about the political landscape 20 months from now.

I am not making changes on the fly (regarding the electoral law). Citizens will judge us.

17/09/2025 19:34 – Question on Gaza
What is happening in Gaza is unacceptable. A major humanitarian disaster is unfolding, and I have mentioned this to Netanyahu. I will not use the term “genocide.” Israel risks alienating real allies. I call for the military operation in the West Bank to stop.

17/09/2025 19:30 – Quick comment on the Tempi judicial developments
We all want the trial to begin. Those calling for justice are doing everything they can to prevent it from starting.

17/09/2025 19:28 – Solution for real calm with Turkey
Greece will never discuss the disarmament of islands or maritime zones. We must learn to live with our differences. I keep Giannis Antetokounmpo’s post in mind – sports unites. Our peoples don’t have much to divide them.

17/09/2025 19:27 – Question on Turkey’s NAVTEX and the Piri Reis
I will meet President Erdoğan. The exercises we conduct are scheduled. We want honest dialogue with Turkey, but we know International Law is on our side. We seek “calm waters,” but we moved forward with Marine Parks, completed the Chevron tender, and exercise our sovereign rights. Regarding connection with Cyprus, the issue will be resolved. I am not worried about a hot incident in the Aegean. Today, at KYSEA, we approved the 4th Belhara – such reinforcement of the Navy has never happened before.

17/09/2025 19:24 – Question on Chevron: Why celebrate so much?
It is a very important geopolitical and economic development, confirming our sovereign rights. It is a national success that we should all acknowledge. I don’t know what Fidan means about coordinating the two countries.

17/09/2025 19:20 – Turkey and other countries get much more EU money for migration
Not true. Greece receives substantial EU funds, and the increase for border security and migration is significant. We will get more; we sent a message to the traffickers.

17/09/2025 19:19 – Question on migration: Is Crete overwhelmed?
Hold on… no part of Crete is overwhelmed by migrants. I look at total flows, and we are 30% below last year. We had a two-day increase.

17/09/2025 19:17 – Allegation that Maximos knew things, journalist notes
These are completely unfounded. The opposition is poisoning political dialogue. This government cannot be accused of not trying.

17/09/2025 19:15 – Question on Semertzidou case
She has obviously been expelled from ND. I took responsibility. The issue of Voridis and Avgenakis’ responsibilities was addressed in Parliament. €22 million was allocated to the first 1,000 tax IDs. We started with the “big fish.”

17/09/2025 19:14 – Question on OPEKEPE
I am not changing the agenda regarding the measures we announced. The measures have a four-year horizon. Regarding OPEKEPE, we failed to bring order to the organization – I say it first. We are now addressing corruption in OPEKEPE.

17/09/2025 19:12 – Question on measures for young people
We take care of young people and care about them. Those entering the income market early will pay no tax. Has this happened before?

17/09/2025 19:09 – Question on the 13th salary
Anyone who wants to give it must forgo the tax exemptions we provided. It’s very simple.

17/09/2025 19:08 – Journalist insists on inflation
Citizens haven’t yet seen real wage increases or rent refunds. In November, we return a rent – that means an 8% reduction. We limited the Golden Visa and Airbnb, which may have effect. We are also looking at new apartments in Attica, Thessaloniki, and other areas, giving incentives to reopen vacant apartments to stabilize prices.

17/09/2025 19:06 – Could you tax monopolies, Nikos Chatzinikolaou asked
Instead of the “patriotic tax” proposed by Tsipras, I prefer patriotic tax exemptions. We cannot continuously impose extraordinary taxes.

17/09/2025 19:03 – Question on KKE mentioning “bloody” surplus
The country paid the price when we spent like there was no tomorrow. We must produce stable primary surpluses. I will not allow any derailment. The country operates at the limit of the fiscal framework’s spending ceilings.

17/09/2025 19:01 – Question on beef prices and indirect taxes
We import 80% of beef. Price increases are global; there is no distortion in the Greek market. Reducing VAT on staple foods would cost over €1 billion. Dropping from 13% to 6% would offset all announced tax cuts. Instead of a blanket measure, we chose a targeted one.

17/09/2025 18:59 – Question on DETh measures and inflation
I chose to tackle inflation with targeted increases in real incomes. Our choice was to reduce taxes for everyone. From January, people will notice wage increases. We mainly support young people and families with children. Society recognizes nominal wage increases.

17/09/2025 18:56 – Political messages
Beyond the economy, the Prime Minister is expected to send political messages to many recipients.

17/09/2025 17:50 – Interview with the Prime Minister on ANT1 evening news
Good evening. We will watch Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ interview on ANT1, the first since the announcement of the measures at the 89th Thessaloniki International Fair.