PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis TIF press conference

We must keep a channel of communication open with Turkey he responded

Kyriakos Mitsotakis is currently giving a detailed presentation of the measures to support society and answers to all current political issues during the usual press conference at 13:00, in the context of TIF.

Answering the first question, the prime minister emphasized that the government can support the economy and society, thanks to the high growth rates.

Immediately after, Mr. Mitsotakis was asked to answer a question about the electoral law and his intentions. He said he has accepted suggestions for a change, but clarified: “I’m not a bum.” “We will proceed with the existing electoral law” he underlined, explaining that it would be institutionally irresponsible, a few months before the elections, to change the electoral law. because it lowers the bar of self-reliance.

Answering a question from “THEMA” about the Androulakis phone tapping surveillance, Mr. Mitsotakis clarified that it is certainly not right to monitor the leader of a party. He explained, however, that the surveillance of the PASOK leader was both legal and documented, but said he would have expected more political sensitivity. Responding to whether this case “torpedoes” possible post-election cooperation of the ND with KINAL, he commented that the phone surveillance case was “butter on the bread” of Mr. Androulakis, in order to implement a policy of rupture with New Democracy, which he had already decided.

He even noted that, since Mr. Androulakis was elected to the leadership of PASOK, the prime minister himself tried twice to meet him, but he did not respond.

Answering another question, the PM focused on the importance of the first round ballot, saying that it will be a “political monstrosity” if a coalition government is formed without the first party – from Tsipras, Androulakis, and Varoufakis. In fact, he essentially asked that the first ballot box send a message so that in the second elections the ND will gain an absolute majority.

Commenting on the crescendo of challenges from Turkey, the prime minister underlined that this is the reason why Greece is strengthening and shielding itself defensively, while he insisted on the need to keep the channel of communication with the neighbouring country open.