Mitsotakis at the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF): Key goals of the four-year term are convergence with Europe and the upgrade of the National Health System (NHS)

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis laid out the government’s goals for the next three years, following the economic announcements made at the 88th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), during his customary press conference. Among other things, in a Q&A session that lasted 2 hours and 20 minutes, he stated that he intends to complete the four-year term and dismissed claims of reform fatigue. He also postponed the discussion about the President of the Republic until January.

At the same time, he noted that there is a distortion in the energy market in Eastern Europe and announced that he would send a letter on this issue to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Regarding the water shortage issue, especially in Attica, he announced a major project in cooperation with EYDAP (Athens Water Supply and Sewerage Company): the connection of the Mornos and Evinos reservoirs with the Kremasta lake.

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In response to the first question, the Prime Minister discussed his vision for Greece in 2027. As he said, Greece practically went bankrupt in 2010, and the Greece of 2027 will bear no resemblance to that.

Asked to comment on the results of the European elections and claims of reform fatigue, Mr. Mitsotakis disagreed that the outcome was bad, though he admitted it was below his expectations. However, he acknowledged that many of the reforms his government implemented may not have been widely accepted. “We will be judged over the course of the four-year term,” he clarified, adding that some of the government’s interventions have yet to be felt by society.

In response to a question from Proto Thema and journalist Grigoris Tziovaras about the speculation regarding Mitsotakis’ political future and the possibility of pursuing a European position, the Prime Minister jokingly replied: “You want to retire me.” He emphasized that he wants to complete his term as Prime Minister until the spring of 2027, while noting that it is too early to say what will happen in three years.

Regarding the issue of inflation, the Prime Minister attributed it partly to the global price increase and rising inflation, saying that it is the result of many factors. He mentioned housing as a factor contributing to inflation and the need to increase citizens’ disposable income. He also predicted that inflation in Greece will decrease. “High prices will remain with us, but from now on we will see a significant reduction in price increases,” he stressed.

Asked to outline the government’s major goals until the end of the four-year term, he first cited wage increases, aiming for a rapid convergence with the European average. The second goal was the National Health System (NHS), acknowledging the concerns of citizens and the need for drastic interventions, with more health centers and doctors by 2027, as well as the modernization of hospitals. “I want to be judged by whether the country will truly have a new NHS by 2027,” he added.

The Prime Minister also mentioned a target for an average salary of 1,500 euros by 2027 and ensuring workers’ rights, citing the example of the digital work card, which ensured the payment of overtime. He emphasized that he wants to provide incentives so that citizens do not get trapped in a welfare policy, while noting that the labor market data is encouraging.

Returning to the NHS, Mr. Mitsotakis initially said that the system managed to cope with the pandemic, but inevitably some interventions were delayed. He then mentioned the salary increases for doctors and a series of other incentives and measures for upgrading the NHS. “We’ve made more hires, but there are still many problems,” he acknowledged. One of these, he added, is the situation in hospital emergency rooms, noting that changes are also coming in this area. “We don’t want requisitions,” he stressed, “we’re looking for permanent solutions.” The media is right to highlight the problems of the NHS, but the positives are not equally emphasized, he added. “It’s not all doom and gloom in the NHS.”

In response to a question about whether he is considering changing the electoral law, the Prime Minister disagreed with those who claim that under the current electoral system, achieving a majority in 2027 is impossible. “2027 is a long way off,” he emphasized. Asked about the situation in the opposition, he said that neither SYRIZA, which he described as being in “a state of political paralysis,” nor PASOK, which he said has adopted a stance of “opposing everything,” offers an alternative government proposal.

Addressing the issue of housing and rents, Mr. Mitsotakis referred to the “My Home” program, for which the age limit is being raised to 50 years, while the criteria for eligibility will be more relaxed, as he described. He also said the goal is to curb short-term rentals, announcing interventions not only in the center of Athens but also in other areas where necessary. The aim is to increase the available properties on the market to lower rents. He also added that public buildings would be used for this purpose.

Regarding his plans for the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister said he regrets the recycling of this discussion. “This discussion will take place in January,” he said, “and until then, I won’t say anything.” He asked that we respect the institution and said that the speculation and related publications show disrespect to the current President, Katerina Sakellaropoulou.

Mr. Mitsotakis reiterated the need for a transition to green energy, describing it as cheaper. “The problem with renewable energy sources (RES),” he said, “is that they cannot produce energy 24 hours a day.” He also spoke about the distortion in the energy market in Eastern Europe, saying that he would send a letter on this issue to the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. “I will fight to correct the problem,” he added.

In response to a question about lawlessness and criminal behavior, the Prime Minister said that enforcing the law everywhere is a priority for the government. “Laws apply to everyone,” he stated, “and the government can and wants to enforce them.” He gave the example of combating delinquency through the “My Coast” app and discussed the actions taken to improve security in stadiums. He also mentioned the “MyData” system, which revealed many cases of tax evasion, and added, “We will find those who are building illegal structures today and make them demolish them.” He further noted that they are evaluating a proposal to install 1,000 cameras in Athens for road safety.

“I don’t look at polls every day,” he said when asked if he plans to change his policy, particularly towards the middle class. “We did what the citizens elected us to do, even if some of it may have upset our traditional voters,” he acknowledged.

When asked about the rise of the far right in Europe and Greece, he said it is a European phenomenon, but it did not manifest to the extent that many had expected in the recent European elections. “We don’t have such phenomena in Greece,” he said, describing the far-right electorate as fragmented. He also connected the rise of the far right with illegal immigration, adding that Greece has effectively dealt with this issue and is now much more secure than it was in 2019. “We speak with confidence with Turkey because we have strengthened our deterrent capabilities,” he added.

The next question concerned Thessaloniki, with the Prime Minister making it clear that the changes in the city will begin with the opening of the metro on November 30. “The second term is the one for implementing projects for Thessaloniki,” he emphasized, while the first term was about planning. He spoke about the first electric buses on the city’s streets, as well as the FlyOver project, recognizing the disruption it has caused. He confirmed the government’s intention to inaugurate it before the 2027 national elections.

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