In an extensive, wide-ranging interview on the “POP Politics” vidcast by Popaganda, Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister and government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis maps out the full scope of government policy. He speaks in depth about Greece’s foreign policy and international alliances, fiscal strategy and anti-inflation measures, the mindset of the new political generation, the need to combat toxicity in public discourse, and the outlook on the country’s demographic crisis. The government spokesperson also confirms that the next general election will be held at the end of the four-year term in 2027, with a parliamentary majority as the target, comments on speculation about Antonis Samaras forming a new party, and reflects on his own professional independence outside of politics and his everyday life as a member of the middle class.
Geostrategic upgrades, energy security, and international alliances
Pavlos Marinakis opened the interview by underscoring the significance of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Athens. He described the meeting as an event of profound substance and exceptionally high symbolic value, noting that in such diplomatic moments, symbolism carries real weight. At a time of international turbulence, successive crises, and armed conflicts across the broader region, the head of American diplomacy made a full and substantive visit to Greece — one that produced critical agreements, bilateral meetings, and a pivotal summit with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
According to the government spokesperson, the presence of the senior American official confirms that Greece is now internationally recognized as a pillar of stability in a volatile geographic zone and as a credible bridge between the West and the Middle East. The visit also represents a vote of confidence in Athens’ major strategic initiatives and confirms that Greek-American relations are at the strongest point in their shared history. Marinakis noted that these messages were broadcast both domestically and internationally, adding that Rubio’s statements to the Kathimerini newspaper the day after the visit represent the most resounding answer to the “hasty commentators” in the domestic political arena. He referred to political figures who rushed to draw negative conclusions before the American Secretary had even left the country, arguing that once again their assessments were proven entirely wrong.
Delving into geostrategic security through the lens of energy, the Deputy Minister acknowledged that it is entirely natural for citizens not to immediately grasp the significance of these major shifts. Household budgets are squeezed by successive international crises that fuel persistent inflation, rising rents, and high prices at grocery stores. Nevertheless, he stressed that the structural reforms of recent years have fundamentally transformed Greece’s position on the world stage.
Marinakis drew a detailed comparison with the previous decade, recalling that roughly ten years ago Greece was the “black sheep” and the pariah of Europe, mired in near-total international isolation. Today, by contrast, the country has concluded its most significant Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) delimitation agreements with Italy and Egypt, completed its maritime spatial planning, and extended its territorial waters to 12 nautical miles in the Ionian Sea.
On the front of defense capability, he noted that Greece is stronger than ever on both sea and in the air, thanks to the acquisition of Belharra frigates, Rafale fighter jets, the upgrade of the F-16 Viper fleet, and entry into the F-35 program. He pointed out that Greece now participates in cutting-edge defense programs from which it was previously excluded — while the opposite had been true for its neighbor. At the same time, American energy giants such as ExxonMobil and Chevron are placing their confidence in Greece, while the Vertical Energy Corridor is radically transforming the region’s energy landscape. As further proof of Greece’s restored international standing, the Deputy Minister cited the election of the Greek Finance Minister to the presidency of the Eurogroup — a development that would have seemed utterly inconceivable during the years of the debt crisis.
Economic model, tax policy, and fighting the cost-of-living crisis
Analyzing the mechanics of economic growth, Pavlos Marinakis explained how lowering tax rates led to an increase in public revenues. As he noted, the government managed — while cutting tax rates and social security contributions 83 times, a number set to reach 91 reductions by 2027 — to simultaneously increase the state’s total tax revenues.
Responding to the opposition’s criticism of over-taxation, the government spokesperson used a straightforward example: when an income of €100 is taxed at a rate of 29%, the state collects €29. If that income rises to €150 due to economic growth and the tax rate is reduced to 20%, the state collects €30. In other words, the citizen pays a proportionally lower tax rate on their income, yet the public treasury collects more because economic activity has expanded.
Marinakis stressed that the revenue increase was driven by a 30% rise in average wages, the creation of 600,000 new jobs, and significant progress in tackling tax evasion. Political stability and the reduction of burdens attracted new investment from both Greek and foreign businesses, creating a positive economic cycle. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that when society is living through the most severe inflationary and energy crisis in decades, the problems remain acute and citizens continue to feel the pressure.
At this point, the Deputy Minister dismissed the opposition’s “magic solutions” and outdated slogans, arguing that such approaches worsen the problem rather than solve it. He described as misguided the logic of transplanting policies from other countries — such as Spain — noting that every economy has its own distinct characteristics and priorities.
On the question of windfall profit taxation, Marinakis recalled that left-wing and center-left parties — which traditionally organized protests on such issues — never taxed the excess profits of refineries or energy companies when they were in power. In contrast, the Kyriakos Mitsotakis government was the first to impose emergency taxation whenever an appropriate framework existed, with refineries contributing approximately €60 million per month from spring onward to supplement state support measures.
Regarding the possibility of further cuts to VAT or other indirect taxes, the Deputy Minister explained that the government has already reduced 25 indirect taxes, but that any new intervention must be carefully calibrated to ensure the benefit truly reaches the consumer. He noted that the country is already pushing up against European expenditure ceiling limits. For this reason, the Prime Minister has formally requested that the European Commission exclude emergency anti-inflation support measures from the calculation of spending ceilings. If Brussels accepts this request, it will create the necessary fiscal space for additional relief measures without requiring the imposition of new taxes on citizens.
The new generation, political ethics, and professional independence
Turning to the chapter of political culture and the renewal of political personnel, Pavlos Marinakis noted that young people must demonstrate through their actions that they bring a new mindset — not merely a young age. He criticized the old stereotype in Greek politics where someone was considered a “talent until 25 and a veteran by 30,” pointing out that very few political leaders have given the younger generation any meaningful opportunities.
He noted that Kyriakos Mitsotakis led by example, proposing him for the position of Secretary of New Democracy at the age of 33, entrusting current Secretary Konstantinos Kyranakis with key responsibilities, and bringing a host of young figures into the Cabinet and Parliament. He also acknowledged that young figures are now emerging in other parties, such as PASOK and ELAS, stressing that the common challenge for all young politicians is to prove that politics can be practiced differently.
He then sharply criticized the arrogant attitudes of the past, in which part of the political establishment believed that citizens were “doing them a favor” by attending political rallies, or that politicians were somehow superior to the society they served. He emphasized that holding political office is a temporary and transient role — not a lifelong profession. He also drew a clear distinction between delivering sharp political criticism backed by solid arguments and resorting to personal insults and abuse, underlining that offensive behavior ultimately drives citizens away from public life.
On a personal note, Marinakis said that upon taking up his government duties, he immediately made arrangements to keep his law firm operational during his suspension from practice. He explained that there is no greater nightmare for a politician than to suddenly find themselves in a vacuum with no professional outlet. Maintaining his professional identity — which he has practiced since graduating — gives him the independence to express honest opinions and to relay to the Prime Minister the real concerns of market professionals, colleagues, and clients, beyond the closed circle of government. He concluded by describing it as an affront when politicians complain about the pressures of their work, at a time when ordinary citizens are working two or three jobs just to make ends meet.
Electoral horizon, parliamentary majority, and the demographic challenge
On the subject of political planning, the Deputy Minister reiterated that the next general election will be held at the end of the four-year term in 2027. He stressed that the consolidation of stable electoral cycles is an achievement for the country, as it allows citizens to evaluate governments on the basis of their overall record.
“I believe we can achieve a parliamentary majority, because at elections citizens compare real, tangible alternatives,” the government spokesperson stated, describing the goal as attainable. He explained that although current polls place New Democracy at around 30–31% — approximately 5 to 7 percentage points short of an outright majority, depending on the share won by parties that fail to enter parliament — closing that gap is entirely realistic. By contrast, he described the opposition’s proposals as either utopian in terms of potential political alliances (since some figures do not rule out cooperation even with Plefsi Eleftherias) or costed nowhere in terms of their economic programs.
Marinakis underlined that the government continues to reduce the national debt so as not to pass the burden on to future generations, as happened with the fiscal policies pursued from the 1980s onward. It is also advancing significant reforms, including the crackdown on tax evasion, the establishment of non-state universities, and the expansion of the digital state.
He made special reference to the demographic crisis, describing it as the country’s single greatest challenge. He warned that if the political system fails to contain its consequences, it will have failed entirely. Linking the demographic issue to the housing crisis, he referenced tax support measures for young people — such as zero income tax for those under 25 earning up to €20,000, a reduced rate of 9% up to the age of 30, and a reduction in advance tax payment to 50%. He stressed the need for people in their 30s and 40s to regain the ability to purchase a home and start a family — through policies rooted in honesty rather than empty promises.
Political culture, political developments, and everyday life
Commenting on current events and the incident between party figures Anna Papadopoulou and Dimitris Konstantopoulos, the government spokesperson made clear that such behavior is completely unacceptable and must be condemned by political parties. He denounced the toxicity pervading public discourse, recalling extreme incidents from the past four years — including party leaders linking the Prime Minister to the loss of human lives, accusations of “orchestrating a cover-up,” and the insult directed at the memory of the deceased train driver of the Tempi tragedy on the floor of Parliament by the leader of Plefsi Eleftherias. He expressed his hope that the pre-election period will be conducted in a civilized manner, with political arguments at its core.
Regarding speculation about Antonis Samaras founding a new party, Marinakis described the discussion as premature for the time being. He acknowledged that the image of a former prime minister — one who was honored by the political movement he led — setting up a new party would not be a welcome one. However, he assessed that citizens, with the lived experience of the crisis years behind them, will not place their trust again in one-man parties or protest movements.
Closing the interview, Pavlos Marinakis spoke about his personal life outside of politics, saying he devotes his free time to his wife and child, as well as a close circle of friends. He watches football and basketball matches, follows television series, and enjoys family outings. He emphasized that he moves freely and without fear among fellow citizens, keeping the minimum required security escort — having grown up in a middle-class family and governing with the primary goal of supporting middle-class people.
