Kyriakos Mitsotakis put an end to inward-looking attitudes while simultaneously sending strong messages to the opposition about toxicity in public discourse, presenting New Democracy’s proposal for constitutional revision and what needs to be done to curb systemic dysfunctions.
The Prime Minister, speaking during the New Democracy Parliamentary Group meeting, presented the 30 changes the governing party is promoting, emphasizing their institutional and functional character for the country’s future. At the same time, he reiterated that elections will be held in 2027, attempting to cancel out reports of early polls in the fall, as this scenario has been frequently discussed lately.
Mitsotakis: Message of unity and brake on New Democracy’s inward focus
Kyriakos Mitsotakis was quick to provide full support to MPs whose names appear in the OPEKEPE case files and assured that all will be on election ballots if they wish, based on the principle that without final court decisions, the presumption of innocence applies. However, he also set limits within the Parliamentary Group, drawing his own red line, thus rushing to prevent new internal party friction and turmoil, completely unnecessary at this stage while time is counting down to the polls.
“The line that separates concern from introspection is thin. This line is red. I will continue personal contacts with all MPs,” he emphasized and then added, calling on MPs to align with the priorities set by society itself: “What we discuss concerning New Democracy’s internal affairs is very important, but it must meet citizens’ expectations and problems. What they primarily expect from us is to provide them relief.”
Continuing in the same spirit, Mr. Mitsotakis addressing the MPs urged: “Let us be honest and productive, with references that interest citizens while avoiding miserable introspection. We must speak the language of citizens and not project our own anxieties and insecurities in internal discussion.” In another point, Kyriakos Mitsotakis referred to the upcoming electoral battle, calling for unity and vigilance. “To win a third election, we will have to sweat the jersey. The toxic discourse of the opposing side will intensify. We won three elections because we spoke to society. The opposition has no plan for tomorrow’s Greece. Each of our personal successes passes only through New Democracy’s victory. We are one fist and we move forward as one fist.”
However, a remark by Mr. Mitsotakis during his dialogue with MPs caused a sensation, as it was interpreted as a jab at Nikos Dendias, since he emphasized that there are deviations in the enthusiasm with which some support government work. As he said, officials and ministers must step forward, support even difficult policies and not remain only in protected environments. Regarding his MPs’ complaints, he tried to justify them with the phrase “seven years of government, such discussions are logical,” noting that after seven years of governance, New Democracy remains the leading party with percentages more than double the second. He was quick to praise the initiative of the “13,” who requested the lifting of immunity due to OPEKEPE, as he said he distinguished “dignity and justified bitterness” while simultaneously leaving barbs about the European Prosecutor’s handling and major delays: “Just as our MPs did the right thing, the European Prosecutor’s Office has a duty to move with the same speed, avoiding selective leaks in doses and dispelling the impression that it is getting involved in political struggle.” Kyriakos Mitsotakis, speaking about the proposed constitutional changes, characterized the new constitutional charter presented to the Parliamentary Group as “institutional rupture and flight forward,” speaking of “unified rules package that will apply to everyone, excluding deviations” and “roadmap with individual compasses that will guide public life and the political system into the new era.” However, he did not mention the proposal for minister-MP incompatibility, which is included in New Democracy’s 30 proposals. The Prime Minister accused the opposition of helplessness and silence regarding constitutional revision, arguing that it “is indifferent to the country’s next day” and that “its exclusive concern is how to construct scenarios to undermine the government’s credibility and the party’s ethos.”
He simultaneously launched a fierce accusation about the toxicity dominating public discourse, emphasizing that Parliament should not become a “permanent court of impressions.” “It’s not only the inadequacy of other parties that makes this reaction necessary, it’s also the vulgar poison they spread with the sole aim of undermining this party’s ethos. I’m not only referring to the unacceptable personal characterizations against me. But also about our party, mafia, gang, criminal organization. Who has justice on their side is witnessed by the battle George Mylonakis is fighting. Whoever exceeds the limits of humanity also crushes those of ethos. In such a climate, we must keep the country on the progress trajectory of recent years,” he said. “We remain the only national force of certainty, security and prospects,” Mr. Mitsotakis emphasized, noting that a third term would prevent the country’s return to 2015. “New Democracy has much more to do for Greece 2030, strengthening defense and continuing the dual path of development and social support.”
