Government unity and unified expression from ministers is a key expectation of Kyriakos Mitsotakis, as we enter the final two months of the year, which the prime minister aims to close with concrete reforms – chief among them the OPEKEPE overhaul.
During yesterday’s Cabinet meeting, Mr. Mitsotakis characterized the transition of OPEKEPE to AADE as the most difficult reform he remembers, describing a complex process because, as he said, they must change a failing system while in motion without jeopardizing payments. He congratulated the Greek Police for their successes with arrests and overall operations, while emphasizing that political support from all Cabinet members is necessary, especially those elected in the regions. “We are doing our best for timely and above all transparent payments,” he noted characteristically.
The unity message was transferred shortly after from Maximos Mansion to the Ministry of National Defense during the unveiling ceremony of the new bioclimatic facade of the Pentagon’s central building, designed by Varotsos. Former prime ministers Kostas Karamanlis and Antonis Samaras did not attend, however Kyriakos Mitsotakis chose to be present and deliver a speech, addressing Nikos Dendias four times during his remarks and referencing his statements each time. The prime minister spoke of responsible and results-oriented patriotism, which the government serves, and emphasized that defending the homeland is an absolute and non-negotiable priority, noting that this concerns not only the strength of our weapons, but also the strength of our heritage and identity.
Messrs. Dendias and Mitsotakis revealed that soon there will be a competition by the Ministry of National Defense for the enhancement of the Unknown Soldier Monument and its role as a point of national unity and common historical reference, as the prime minister noted. This approach was chosen by Maximos Mansion and the Ministry of National Defense to overcome discussions of the last ten days and provide a comprehensive solution to an issue that raised many tensions and objections.
Also noteworthy was Mr. Mitsotakis’ reference to the Greek Air Force, which constitutes an indirect response to Tayyip Erdogan’s agreement with Keir Starmer for Turkey’s procurement of Eurofighter aircraft. “We have already acquired upgraded Rafale fighters, upgraded F-16 Vipers, and soon F-35 aircraft, an Air Force that now ensures strategic air superiority, projecting deterrent power throughout the region,” the prime minister stated.
During the earlier Cabinet meeting, Mr. Mitsotakis referenced the new OPEKEPE, policies for tackling bureaucracy, the fire prevention period assessment, and the social climate, prompted by the scenes from national anniversary celebrations and parades across the country. As his associates note, the government’s strategic planning with a horizon of spring 2027 elections, as reflected in the prime minister’s remarks, involves implementing governmental work, primarily on issues affecting citizens’ daily lives. They cite as an example the presentation of another package of measures to combat bureaucracy and mention that this planning includes efforts to provide convincing and above all realistic and implementable answers to current challenges, such as OPEKEPE. “Citizens expect from our government more, faster, and more tangible results,” Mr. Mitsotakis stated in his speech.
