Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis characterised Erdogan’s move to convert the Monastery of Chora into a mosque as unnecessary and unsound. In his interview with “Proto Thema” and Antonis Sroiter, he responded to those who argued that his visit to Ankara should have been postponed, emphasising the need to keep communication channels open. Te PM expressed that the visit ought not be postponed and that communication channels must remain open stating that he will express his utmost dissatisfaction; Mr. Mitsotakis went on to express that it’s preferable to avoid a crisis adding, that the specific choice of the Turkish president is unnecessary and misguided. The Prime Minster continued by explaining that there is no shortage of mosques and that this is not the way to treat cultural heritage. Mr. Mitsotakis stated that the City was the capital of Byzantium and Orthodoxy for over a thousand years.
In response to Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama’s upcoming visit to Greece, Mitsotakis noted that he is not invited by the government but rather comes to address his compatriots. He views it as unnecessary, emphasising existing issues in Greek-Albanian relations. Mitsotakis also addressed the detention of Frédéric Bilher, considering it a European issue. Regarding Rama’s rally, he stated they won’t hinder it. Additionally, he highlighted the representation of the Greek minority in Albania and Muslim Greek citizens on the ND ballot.
Mr. Mitsotakis, when asked about rumored meetings regarding the end of the President’s term he stated he hasn’t had any such meetings and left open the possibility of supporting Mrs. Sakellaropoulou for a second term, emphasising their good relationship. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister made it clear that Greece will not provide S-300 or Patriot missiles to Ukraine, as they are essential to Greece’s defense. He also emphasized support for Ukraine, which faced unprovoked invasion, stating Greece has surplus defensive equipment but will not provide Patriots or S-300s.
In his comprehensive interview, Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced the creation of a panic button for teenagers as another tool to address bullying and violence among minors, following the platform for reporting already in operation with significant response from victims of such situations. The panic button, as the Prime Minister stated, will be available from the new school year.
Turkey – Erdogan ahead of Mitsotakis’ visit: There is no problem we cannot solve
Before the interview, Mr. Mitsotakis took notes as his government spokesperson, Pavlos Marinakis, informed him of the latest developments. Mr. Mitsotakis noted that attempts to create an anti-government atmosphere in churches during the Easter days failed, emphasising that there was no conflict with the Church, just disagreement, which was expected. He mentioned his good relationship with Archbishop Ieronymos and open issues with the Church.
Thirty-one days before the European elections, jokingly referring to a countdown clock, Mr. Mitsotakis noted that it’s a matter of how to convince people to participate, estimating that as the election approaches, interest will increase, stressing the importance of postal voting. He suggested the possibility of implementing a mixed electoral system from the next European elections, combining a party list and a preference vote adding, that it’s the citizens’ responsibility to research and choose the candidates they will vote for.
“I believe in the cross and the citizens’ responsibility,” he said and continued, “now there are 42 candidates running, there is citizen mobilisation; unlike the list, only the electable would run.” He noted that for the next European elections, a mixed system should be reconsidered with some candidates as dominant and the rest with a preference vote.
Mr. Mitsotakis reiterated that the benchmark for evaluating the election result is 33% of the previous European elections, but he made it clear that he “accepts the challenge” posed by the opposition, emphasizing that he doesn’t want a bad outcome for ND or himself. He supported a stable electoral cycle; his government is implementing a bold reform program. Moreover, regarding criticism that the first months after the elections show “stagnation,” he argued that a significant part of its program, especially economic measures, has already been implemented with salary and pension increases, a second increase in the minimum wage, measures to address party violence, measures to address bullying and delinquency among teenagers, as well as infrastructure programs with new roads delivered.
However, he admitted that, “there is an elephant in the room, and that is accuracy. Greece is not a protagonist in accuracy.” The Prime Minister stressed, referring to measures the government has already taken with fines and constant checks in the market. He also mentioned interventions he has made, such as in the energy sector, saying that “electricity is no longer a problem.” Responding firmly to the criticism his government faces regarding the tragedy in Tempi, Mr. Mitsotakis stated, “It’s a lie, there was no attempt at cover-up. We trust the justice system; it acted swiftly.”
Answering the question about the possibility of seeking a third term, Mr. Mitsotakis pointed out that the next elections are in three years, noting that ND is a party of power. “Who knows what will happen until 2027,” Mr. Mitsotakis says and notes that as long as he feels creative and energetic, there is no arrogance, but “retirement is not on my mind.”
