A few minutes before the clock struck exactly 12 noon, Kyriakos Mitsotakis arrived at the Vellidio in Thessaloniki. In good spirits and smiling, he welcomed the journalists who, a few minutes later, one by one, would ask questions, giving him the opportunity to discuss the government’s reforms aimed at addressing the everyday problems that citizens face. Issues such as inflation and the economy in general, the housing crisis, and discord in the healthcare system were among the main topics that the Prime Minister focused on.
After all, these problems were what displeased a segment of citizens, as was evident from the ballot box in June. It is no secret that the percentage achieved by the blue party in the European elections did not satisfy the Maximos Mansion and personally the Prime Minister. However, he clarified that it wasn’t a bad result, but rather below expectations. It is a ballot box, as he himself said, that favors protest votes as well as abstention.
Mitsotakis’ Self-Satisfaction
Kyriakos Mitsotakis wanted to present himself with an air of confidence, perhaps even self-satisfaction, in Thessaloniki. He dismissed scenarios that suggest he is packing his bags for Europe, emphasizing, somewhat jokingly, that he is not retiring. “I am the Prime Minister and the leader of New Democracy, and I have no intention of retiring,” he noted, concluding by saying, however, that “2027 is a long way off. We live in a very unpredictable environment and, as I said, it is a bit self-satisfying to talk either about myself or to make predictions about what will happen in 2027.”
He did not rule out the possibility of an outright majority for the blue party in the next national elections. In one of his remarks, he expressed the opinion that “I don’t think there is any other governing proposal for the country other than the one expressed by the government.” It is a fact, moreover, that while the Prime Minister unfolded the program of a thousand days, or the government’s vision until the end of its term in 2027, all eyes were on SYRIZA.
Barbs for SYRIZA, PASOK
The rapid developments in the main opposition party also occupied the Prime Minister, who asked journalists for any updates from the Koumoundourou front. However, when he received a related question regarding the opposition, he was particularly sharp. “SYRIZA is in a state of stupor,” he said, while admitting that at that moment everyone was awaiting developments.
He was also critical of PASOK. As Mr. Mitsotakis stated, “the ‘no to everything’, the description of a country in which approximately all citizens are, I would say, very poor and ragged, does not fit today’s Greece.” “It would be, therefore, positive for our democracy to have an alternative proposal, but the proposal must be structured, substantiated, and costed. Unfortunately, at this time, we do not see that,” noted the Prime Minister.
The “Sorry” Regarding the President
It would have been particularly interesting to know what the President of the Republic thought and how she felt when she heard Kyriakos Mitsotakis defending her after a long period of speculation about whether she would renew her term at the Presidential Mansion. The Prime Minister did not hide his discomfort regarding what has been circulating lately, especially after the European elections, about Mrs. Sakellaropoulou’s future.
“I regret the recycling of this discussion,” he responded in a stern tone. “This discussion will take place in January, and until then I will say absolutely nothing, apart from the fact that I respect and appreciate the President of the Republic. I say exactly the same things I said before the elections,” confirming that the occupants of the adjacent buildings on Herodou Attikou maintain excellent relations. Even in a more personal tone, Mr. Mitsotakis explained that this discussion is unfair both for Ms. Katina Sakellaropoulou and for the institution. “I consider it very unfair, both for her and for the institution, that a constant discussion around the person of the next President of the Republic is recycled before its time, and I will ask all of you, I think, to respect the institution above all,” he stated meaningfully.
Satisfaction for Beleri
Just before the press conference concluded, Kyriakos Mitsotakis also referred to Greece-Albania relations, which were tested following the arrest and imprisonment of Freddy Beleri. The MEP from New Democracy was indeed present at the Vellidio during the Prime Minister’s speech. On this matter, Mr. Mitsotakis stated: “We went through a difficult period and I do not want to speak in detail about the case of Freddy Beleri. I want to express my satisfaction that he was with us at the International Exhibition and that this completely unjust and unnecessary ordeal he suffered has finally ended.”
The government spokesperson, Pavlos Marinakis, was diligently “keeping time” for the interview. He emphasized right from the start that journalists must ask a question to allow time and space for everyone. The interview concluded shortly after 2 hours from its start. When the television lights went out, Kyriakos Mitsotakis thanked the journalists who were present at the 88th Exhibition, renewing their appointment for next year, while emphasizing that the work continues in governmental action with the same intensity.