Kyriakos Mitsotakis gave an indirect but clear response to the discussion that has emerged over the possibility of an early election from Oreoi in northern Evia, where he is currently visiting, reiterating that elections will take place in spring 2027.

Addressing citizens and New Democracy officials, the prime minister called on them to remain “on the front lines” for the next electoral battle, setting as a goal a third self-reliant government term for New Democracy.

“I want you ready and on the front lines for the elections that will take place in spring 2027,” he said, while also sending the message that the government will not shift into election mode only when the ballot approaches.

“We do not stop and we do not wait, as some others do, for the pre-election period to arrive before standing beside our fellow citizens. We are present, we address problems effectively and we support local communities,” he noted.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis also thanked party officials for “the fight they will give for a third self-reliant term for New Democracy.”

Turning to an assessment of government policy for northern Evia, five years after the devastating wildfires, the prime minister stressed that the commitments that had been made are being implemented in practice.

“We speak through our work and not through words,” he said, pointing out that the region has now recovered, recording increased tourism activity and development, lower unemployment and higher incomes.

“Five years after the great fire, our commitments are being fulfilled. Northern Evia has recovered, with more tourism and development, lower unemployment and higher incomes,” the prime minister said.

“At the end of the four-year term, we will deliver the best National Health System the country has ever had”

Earlier, Kyriakos Mitsotakis sent the message from the Istiaia Health Centre that by the end of the government’s term it would deliver “the best National Health System the country has ever had,” linking the upgrading of the NHS with the broader effort to rebuild northern Evia.

The prime minister stressed that Recovery Fund resources are being invested in projects that transform public healthcare facilities and improve services for citizens.

“The NHS is changing. The resources of the Recovery Fund are being invested for its overall upgrade,” Mr Mitsotakis said, adding: “At the end of this four-year term, we will deliver the best National Health System the country has ever had.”

A characteristic example of this upgrade is the operation in Istiaia of the country’s first artificial kidney unit within a Health Centre.

The new unit allows kidney patients in northern Evia to undergo dialysis close to their homes, reducing the difficult and time-consuming journeys to hospitals in other areas.

At the same time, the operation of such a specialised service within a primary healthcare facility strengthens the role of Health Centres and brings critical services closer to residents of the region.

From Istiaia, Kyriakos Mitsotakis also referred to the progress of the area’s recovery five years after the devastating 2021 wildfires.

“Five years after the devastating fire in northern Evia, we are looking to the future with greater optimism,” he stressed, adding that “the government addressed the problems left behind by the fire.”

The prime minister presented the new healthcare infrastructure as part of a broader reconstruction effort, which is not limited to repairing damage but includes new infrastructure, improved public services and interventions that strengthen everyday life and the prospects of northern Evia.