The message that “in turbulent times, the strength of our values alone is not enough. We also need the value of our strength” was sent by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during his speech at today’s cabinet meeting.

In this context, he also emphasized that “strengthening the homeland in defense, diplomacy, economy, and society is critical.”

He further underlined that “in uncharted waters, political stability is a national necessity.”

At the same time, on the occasion of extending the right of postal voting to Greeks abroad in national elections, the Prime Minister proposed the creation of a Special Three-Seat Constituency for Greeks Abroad. Based on this proposal, Mr. Mitsotakis explained, the nationwide parliamentary seats would return to 12, while the electoral threshold remains at 3%.

He referred to it as an “obvious national choice beyond and above party lines,” expressing hope that it will become a common decision across the political spectrum, while announcing that consultations will begin quickly.

Referring to the Hatzidakis bill, he noted that “the fight against the ‘deep state,’ bureaucracy, and systemic pathologies continues,” speaking of “small and larger reforms that save time, money, and energy.”

Overall, the draft law includes around 15 cases arising from citizen observations, Ombudsman reports, and collaboration with MPs and relevant ministries. For example, the legislation includes the abolition of a series of certificates, replacing them with citizens’ declarations, particularly in cases where the state already possesses the data, e.g., for high school diplomas or military service certificates.

With this law, the so-called “decrees of the Ottoman era,” under which the state claimed the town of Karditsa or Saronida, are effectively abolished. “We are setting criteria where the state has given up and there has been long-term possession for decades,” a government source explains, citing glaring examples such as the state appearing to claim the urban area of Evosmos in Thessaloniki or having granted land to refugees since the Venizelos era, although no one signed the deeds and many still lack titles.