On the eve of the pre-election period closing, Kyriakos Mitsotakis is taking a brief break from his campaign duties. He will fly to Lorient, France, from Thessaloniki, where he delivered a keynote speech in Macedonia. The Prime Minister will visit the Naval Group shipyards, where three Greek Belharra frigates are under construction, before heading to Normandy to participate in the 80th anniversary celebrations of the Allied landing, at the invitation of French President Macron.
In Lorient, accompanied by Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, Mr. Mitsotakis will board the KIMON frigate, which is nearing completion and set for delivery to the Navy by June 2025. He will also inspect the NEARCHOS and FORMION frigates, scheduled for delivery by the end of 2025 and 2026. Additionally, he will meet with Navy officials overseeing the construction.
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This visit, previously planned but postponed, symbolizes what Mr. Mitsotakis calls “patriotism of responsibility,” urging voters to consider who is genuinely enhancing the country’s deterrent capabilities through strong alliances. Recently, he hinted at ordering six more Rafale aircraft from France and is awaiting a recommendation on a fourth Belharra frigate.
Later, the Prime Minister will travel to Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, alongside leaders from across the West, including US President Joe Biden, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The event, occurring just before the European elections, is crucial for Ukraine and European defense discussions post-June 9.
Mr. Mitsotakis will attend the ceremony, which includes a speech by President Macron and aerial demonstrations, followed by a reception for distinguished guests. This event provides an opportunity for private discussions with several top leaders, including President Macron, who had initially planned to attend the Olympic flame ceremony in Olympia in April but was unable to make it.
