The closed session of the New Democracy Parliamentary Group generated significant political interest, as MPs submitted proposals and observations following Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ speech. The atmosphere was characterized as positive and constructive, focusing on regional issues, demographics, and rural development support.
Charakopoulos at ND caucus: New Democracy must stay connected to society
Initially, the MPs congratulated the newly elected parliamentary group secretary, Maximos Charakopoulos. He emphasized that New Democracy must remain in contact with society and function as a bridge between citizens and government. “Greece has become a model of political stability under Kyriakos Mitsotakis and is recording steady growth rates,” he underlined.
He notably supported the constructive participation of ND MPs: “When parliamentary oversight is exercised by our MPs, it is important. Important issues should be raised responsibly by us, with proposals, instead of the populism and exaggerations of the opposition.”
Everyone congratulated newly elected ND Parliamentary Group Secretary Maximos Charakopoulos
The Prime Minister agreed, acknowledging that MPs’ interventions bring society’s demands to the government. He also called for unity and highlighting the work being done in all sectors.
MP interventions in ND caucus
Several caucus members then took the floor, presenting their priorities. Kozani MP Stathis Konstantinidis spoke about the need for better cooperation with ministers and raised the issue of just transition in Western Macedonia. From Kefalonia, Panagis Kappatos emphasized that the Prime Minister’s announcements at the Thessaloniki International Fair show the country’s new direction, while Larissa’s Christos Kapetanos focused on supporting the primary sector and addressing rural depopulation.
From West Athens, Dimitris Kalogeropoulos emphasized the Parliamentary Group’s unity, saying that ND must appear as “one fist” before society. Similarly, Maria Antoniou from Kastoria noted that the measures announced at the Fair have positive implications for the middle class and requested further strengthening of the labor market, especially in Western Macedonia.
Dimitris Kairidis focused on the demographic issue, highlighting its implications for the pension system, while Kavala MP Makarios Lazaridis called on his colleagues to set aside complaints and “plow” their electoral regions, promoting the government’s achievements in foreign policy and defense.
From Thessaloniki, Diamantis Gkolidakis referred to projects already implemented, such as the Metro and flyover, while Zoe Rapti emphasized the importance of tours throughout Greece to hear citizens’ demands. Deputy Labor Minister Vasilis Spanakis noted that many local projects are being realized through ministry funding, while Stavros Kalafatis, Deputy Development Minister, proposed special programs utilizing properties in villages and towns for first homes.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ message
The Prime Minister, closing the session, thanked the MPs for their proposals and assured that all are taken into account. He made special reference to demographics and rural support, emphasizing that Local Development Plans will incorporate actions in every region of the country.
“We must all highlight the progress being made in all sectors, from the economy to foreign policy,” Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized, calling for unity and effective communication with society.
