Marking the completion of ten years since his election to the leadership of New Democracy, Kyriakos Mitsotakis attended an anniversary event on Saturday (10/01) in Moschato. Specifically, the prime minister and 8th President of New Democracy arrived just after 11:30 at the central offices on Piraeus Street in Moschato for the traditional New Year cake cutting ceremony. Immediately afterward, he walked through the area’s streets, where he had the opportunity to talk with shop owners, workers, and citizens, while he didn’t refuse to take dozens of selfies with people who rushed to greet him. Additionally, the prime minister delivered a speech in an anniversary atmosphere but with a strong political message, during which he thanked party officials and supporters for their unwavering support. At the same time, Mitsotakis reserved a “jab” for his political opponents as he spoke about a contract of truth with the people. “We will not promise things we cannot deliver. Citizens know how to distinguish the voice of responsibility from populism,” he said characteristically.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis from Moschato: New Democracy united Greece
As the prime minister noted, about a decade ago, approximately 400,000 citizens entrusted him with the leadership of the party, a choice that –as he emphasized– determined not only New Democracy’s path but also the country’s trajectory. He then explained that he chose to celebrate this particular anniversary in Moschato, at New Democracy’s offices where the party has been housed since 2016, in an open gathering, as “we have done hundreds of times.” He emphasized that such milestone days are opportunities for reflection: “to remember where we were, where we are, and where we want to go.”
Recalling his statement on the evening of January 10, 2016, at the Chalkokondyli offices, he reminded that he had committed to making New Democracy great and strong again. “Ten years later, we can say with certainty that we kept this commitment,” he noted, pointing out that New Democracy has remained the dominant political force for a decade, having won three national electoral contests and expressing confidence that it will also win the 2027 election.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis spoke of a party that moved the country forward, “united Greece,” expanded politically and socially, and formed a broad social alliance for progress. He emphasized that in an international environment of intense geopolitical shifts and wars, the country’s stability is the top priority, underscoring that “with New Democracy, Greeks can feel safe.”
Mitsotakis’ review of New Democracy achievements
During his speech, Kyriakos Mitsotakis referred to strengthening national defense, making special mention of the arrival of the first of four French Belharra frigates, as well as the major events that marked the governmental course: managing the pandemic, the migration crisis at Evros, support measures after coronavirus, signing the Recovery Fund, and victory in the 2023 elections.
He made particular reference to the country’s economic performance, with unemployment falling below 8%, economic progress, and the ability to support society through tax cuts and targeted interventions, such as for pensioners and families with children. He also spoke about education reforms, noting that for the first time, hundreds of thousands of inactive students were removed from university rolls, while –as he said– today there are no active occupations in universities.
In closing, the prime minister emphasized that after ten years leading New Democracy, he feels an even greater sense of responsibility toward citizens. He assured that the government will continue to address both major and daily problems and underlined that the “contract of truth” with society remains intact.
“I wouldn’t be prime minister if I weren’t president of New Democracy”
In an emotional turn in his speech, Kyriakos Mitsotakis spoke about his bond with the party and the attacks he faces: “I assure you that there has been no greater honor for me than being elected President of New Democracy and that I would never have been prime minister if I weren’t President of New Democracy. If I didn’t enjoy your love and your trust.
This positive energy that I receive today from each and every one of you, be sure that it is energy that gives me strength. To stand upright against the many personal attacks, you know them I think and you see them, I assure you that they leave me completely unaffected. I draw strength from your applause and your love and the trust of Greek citizens.”
The next generation
Making a personal reference to his daughter, the prime minister connected the passage of time with the duty to the new generation: “I was thinking that ten years ago my little daughter was 12 years old and today she is 22. I always think about these children, the young children, and how we can also hand over to the next generation a country better than the one our parents handed over to us. This is the contract of truth that we continue to sign every day with Greek citizens. Citizens know that from me you will not hear lies. Yes is yes and no is no. We can never promise things we cannot do. Even if sometimes we become temporarily unpleasant, we have committed to telling the truth to Greek citizens and we know that Greek citizens have the judgment to hear and distinguish the voices of responsibility from the voices of populism and irresponsibility.”
Kyriakos Mitsotakis closed his speech by setting the electoral goal for the next contest: “Thank you very much for your presence. I wish you a happy new year and thank you from the heart for your personal wishes. Stay well and in 2027 another year of great successes for New Democracy. Stay well. Thank you very much. Happy new year.”
