The Maximos Mansion and Piraeus Street are attempting to transmit a strong message to ND’s electoral base and broader society. Political life is gradually entering, albeit informally, a pre-election phase, and the ND congress is being organized in a celebratory atmosphere. Kyriakos Mitsotakis positions this event as a starting point for the next day, connecting current governmental action with long-term goals. With an eye toward the next electoral contest, he opens the 16th Regular Congress of New Democracy at Metropolitan Expo.
At the center is Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ opening speech, where he is expected to present a comprehensive political and governmental assessment, connecting ND’s two terms with planning for the next day. According to sources, the prime minister will develop the logic of “continuity and stability,” attempting to answer the question already posed within political discussion: why a third governmental term of New Democracy is needed.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis: What his speech at ND’s 16th congress will include
In his speech opening the 16th Regular Congress of ND, Kyriakos Mitsotakis will first provide an assessment of governmental work, emphasizing the 25 programmatic commitments of 2023-2027. This assessment will demonstrate how the trust relationship with citizens is built on credibility and the phrase “what we told you, we did.”
Specifically, the prime minister will present proposals and directions for the third four-year cycle, which will materialize into a pre-election program when the path to the polls opens. He will emphasize not only the opposition’s inability to present an alternative proposal but also describe the importance of keeping the country on a developmental trajectory that allows continued tax relief and wage increases.
The prime minister will make special reference to the issue of high prices and discuss the support initiatives the government has taken against increased living costs, with tax reductions and permanent salary increases.
In this context, Mr. Mitsotakis will insist on changes expected in the next five years and Greece’s position. The prime minister will highlight the importance of stability and internal political normalcy for every country, especially ours.
He is expected to focus on the critical juncture of Greece assuming the EU Presidency, during a period when the Union will be called to chart the new CAP and promote positions that were distinctly Greek and set by him, such as common Defense and Strategic Autonomy.
Regarding his criticism of the opposition, Mr. Mitsotakis – according to sources – is expected to focus on the toxicity of opposition discourse. Also, part of his speech will be dedicated to party action and unity.
He will also call for mobilization of all those with whom the faction met in 2019 and 2023.
Unity message to ND’s internal audience
Special weight will be given to the internal party message. Kyriakos Mitsotakis is expected to refer to the faction’s cohesion, attempting to close discussion around scenarios of internal differentiations or behind-the-scenes tensions.
The Maximos Mansion’s goal is for the congress to function as an image of political rallying and organizational readiness, during a period when the government attempts to renew its relationship with social and electoral audiences that supported it in 2019 and 2023.
Artificial intelligence and future political agenda
The congress program includes themes connected to the new economy and technological transformation. On Saturday, May 16, at 11:30, the prime minister will participate in a panel discussion on artificial intelligence, seeking to highlight the governmental agenda for digital transition and innovation.
The 16th ND Congress will conclude on Sunday, May 17, with Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ closing speech at 12:05, expected to crystallize the three-day event’s overall political message.
The vision ND presents focuses on the country’s transformation by 2030. The axes include:
– Economic development and job creation
– Digital transformation and innovation
– Social cohesion and welfare state strengthening
– Environmental protection and sustainable development
The congress program and speeches
On Saturday, speeches will be delivered by EPP President Manfred Weber, ND’s two vice-presidents Kostis Hatzidakis (government vice-president) and Adonis Georgiadis (Health Minister), followed by congress speeches on themes: Social State, Strong Greece, Strong Economy, Strong Greece, Safe Greece. There will also be other themes on Tourism, Projects, Infrastructure and the New Generation.
Saturday will also feature a special AI event where Kyriakos Mitsotakis will converse in a panel with four startup representatives, with ministerial speeches and interventions in TEDtalk format. Sunday, before Mr. Mitsotakis’ speech, video greetings from European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and former EU President Jean-Claude Juncker will be shown, while EPP Secretary-General Dolors Montserrat and Greek EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas will also speak.
Dendias’ stance
Those familiar with internal balances attribute particular weight to Mr. Dendias’ stance, as he’s considered one of the strong players on the “blue” chessboard. Government and ND Vice-President Kostis Hatzidakis will address the entire faction about ND’s vision for the next national elections and the narrative ND will begin building toward a third self-sufficient majority.
The national economy success story
Finance Minister and Eurogroup President Kyriakos Pierrakakis will focus on the national economy’s success story and the country’s overall upgrade on the international stage. Key roles in congress preparations are played by the prime minister’s advisor Thanasis Nezis from Maximos Mansion, a longtime “regulator” of blue ecosystem developments, while government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis, as former ND secretary and ONNED president, is an excellent expert on “blue” human geography.
