Speaking at a Greek diaspora event, Kyriakos Mitsotakis addressed the challenges of the current period, his government’s record, Greece’s relationship with the United States, and the upcoming elections. The prime minister once again sent a clear message to Turkey, reiterating that Greece “does not threaten, but will not be threatened,” while also highlighting cooperation with the US in the natural gas sector. Ahead of the next elections, he urged diaspora Greeks to make use of the postal voting option. During his address, Mitsotakis also touched on the country’s economic trajectory and the changes that have taken place in recent years, outlining government initiatives and developments in the Greek economy. He also dwelt on the challenges Greece faces in the period ahead, as well as the importance of its relationship with the United States.
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Mitsotakis: “Post-crisis Greece is a model of fiscal discipline”
He made particular reference to fiscal policy, wages, and the cost of living, arguing that the picture of the Greek economy has changed significantly compared to the crisis years. “Post-crisis Greece is a model of fiscal discipline. I don’t think many people would have bet that Greece would be borrowing at an interest rate below 4%. That speaks for itself when it comes to the progress the country has made in recent years. I remember that 2019 marked the end of a very difficult decade for Greece, with many Greeks leaving the country in search of a better future.”
In the same vein, the prime minister highlighted the rise in wages and the return of Greeks who had emigrated, linking both developments to the improving prospects taking shape in the country.
“Wages have now increased in Greece, and it is significant that among those who left, there is a trend to return — and that shows they believe in a promising future for the country.”
Mitsotakis: Supporting citizens facing a higher cost of living
Turning to economic policy, Kyriakos Mitsotakis stressed that the improvement in Greece’s fiscal position makes it possible, as he put it, to support citizens facing a higher cost of living — without abandoning the goal of fiscal discipline.
“The state of our economy puts us in a position to support Greeks, especially those who have to cope with the cost of living. In Thessaloniki, I announced a €2 billion support package for people who are truly in need — while at the same time we will maintain fiscal discipline in order to preserve the confidence of the international economy.”
The prime minister then turned to defense, highlighting the conditions prevailing in the broader region and underscoring that Greece has strengthened its defense capabilities. “We have worked very hard to ensure that Greece will never return to the dark years of the past. At the same time, we are fully aware that we are living in difficult times, in a difficult neighborhood. I am proud that we have made our country stronger. We have the largest defense program this country has ever undertaken.”
On relations with neighboring countries, Mr. Mitsotakis reiterated Greece’s pursuit of good neighborly relations, while making clear that the country will defend its borders and its interests. “I have said many times that Greece is a peaceful country that wants good relations with its neighbors. We do not threaten anyone, but we will not allow anyone to threaten us. We face challenges. We stood firm, we defended our borders, and we persuaded the EU to change its approach to migration back in 2019.”
Energy and natural gas take center stage — what he said about drilling
Energy policy also featured prominently in the prime minister’s address, with Mitsotakis speaking about Greece’s role in electricity production and distribution, as well as its relationship with the United States. “Greece is now leading on policies that shape our European future on major European issues. Greece is a leader in electricity production. In the future, we will depend on natural gas, and we are looking to continue our partnership with the US. Greece used to be an importer. Now we import, supply our neighbors in the Balkans and Eastern Europe. New alliances are forming with the United States.”
In the same energy context, he made specific reference to the prospect of exploratory natural gas drilling, noting that this is a process expected to move forward in the coming months. “In a few months, we will have the first exploratory approach to bring in a natural gas drilling operation — for the first time in many years. We want to do more for the benefit of our citizens.”
Kyriakos Mitsotakis also spoke about Greece’s relationship with the Greek-American community and efforts to strengthen ties with Greeks living abroad. “For the first time, we are in a position to build bridges between Greece and the Greek-American community.”
In closing, the prime minister called on diaspora Greeks with voting rights to participate in the elections, and reflected on how living abroad can offer a different perspective on political affairs back home.
“Those of you who have the right to vote in Greek elections — the platform is there, please use it. We care about your views. When someone lives abroad and looks at Greece from a distance, they can see beyond the day-to-day political squabbles and the rivalries that exist in every political system. You should be proud of the progress our country is making.”
His reference to the next election and his intention to seek a third term served as the political closing note of his speech, with the prime minister linking this ambition to the continuation of his government’s work. “We want a third term — not for the record — but to make the country even stronger. Some people want change, so we need to work twice as hard to convince Greeks that we deserve a third term. We have fulfilled almost all of our promises.”
