In an interview with SKAI, Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated that we are all deeply shocked by the images from Valencia and the loss of human lives. He noted that he does not know if there were any failures in Valencia and emphasized that protecting human life is always the top priority. He said that in Greece we have the 112 emergency number, and today, in a meeting with the regional governor of Attica, they will discuss, among other things, ensuring that the Kifissos River remains clean at all times. «There is a plan. It is being implemented. We are spending over 2 billion euros on civil protection,» he said, noting the need to increase European funding as well.
Regarding the explosion in Ampelokipoi, he stated that he has complete confidence in the Hellenic Police and, in particular, in the counterterrorism unit. «Every incident like this gives the counterterrorism unit an opportunity to investigate more quickly the matters it may have already been aware of and monitoring,» he added.
Regarding the minimum wage, he stated that it will be 950 euros in 2027 and will have increased by approximately 50% since 2019. He said this increase would raise the overall wage level in the country, which is his central campaign pledge. «My view is that the average wage will be over 1,500 euros in 2027. As unemployment falls, wages rise. The trend in wages is very encouraging. It is the best response to persistent inflation. After 2027, the method for calculating the minimum wage will change. By law, it cannot be reduced and takes into account inflation for the poorest households. It also affects the salaries of public servants. It also takes into account the economy’s productivity,» he added.
Regarding collective bargaining agreements, he stated that we need to increase the percentage of wages determined through collective bargaining.
Regarding the taxes that the government intends to reduce, Mr. Mitsotakis noted that the budget includes 12 additional tax cuts.
«National Health System on-call shifts. Separate taxation under code 22%. Elimination of the business activity fee in 2025. Adjustments to the taxation of self-employed professionals and many more tax cuts. A package of tax cuts that proves that as long as the economy is doing well, we have the ability to lower taxes,» he added.
«When a few people steal from the state, it is at the expense of the many. Let’s fight tax evasion. Let’s also use digital technology. And digital transactions help us curb tax evasion, especially when it comes to VAT,» he noted.
Regarding the government’s intervention on behalf of the self-employed and whether it came at a cost to the government, he said that it certainly did entail some cost. «The government is demonstrating that it intends to implement measures that are beneficial for the economy as a whole. If anyone feels they have been wronged, they can seek and obtain justice,» he said.
He added that in December there will be a one-time payment to retirees who did not receive raises due to a personal difference. «The personal difference is the last tax imposed under the memoranda. We’re looking into it. It will depend on how the economy performs,» he said.
«Those who are concerned about the dialogue with Turkey should propose an alternative.»
«What happened was very upsetting. It’s not right what happened. I’m sorry that a small group tried to break into the building. The country has always had seasonal firefighters because we have greater needs in the summer than in the winter. We already have the largest number of firefighters in the EU. I don’t know if all of them will be hired. Some have already been hired, and some will be hired in the future. »Legitimate demands should not be exploited by the opposition. When it comes to building occupations, an organized state cannot tolerate this,” the prime minister said regarding the events that took place at the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection involving a group of seasonal firefighters, in an interview with SKAI TV.
Regarding Greek-Turkish relations, Kyriakos Mitsotakis noted that Greece is stronger today than it was in 2019. «Geopolitically, defensively, and politically. Those who are concerned about dialogue with our neighbors should propose an alternative. Have we backed down from our long-standing positions? I don’t see that anywhere. It is my duty to tell our neighbor that revisionism does not lead to a solution. Relations between the two peoples are good. We’ve even heard calls in Parliament to go to war. Unacceptable positions. »Have we compromised on our national principles in order to achieve this good relationship with Turkey? If we agree to disagree, that doesn’t mean we have to be on the brink of war,” he emphasized.
When asked whether poetry brings people together in light of Antonis Samaras’s positions, he replied that it both unites and provokes thought, and recalled that he, too, as prime minister, had met with Tayyip Erdoğanand that exploratory talks were taking place.
«Everyone understands the responsibility we have to safeguard unity and political stability,» he replied when asked about the positions of Mr. Karamanlis and Mr. Samaras.
Regarding the U.S. elections, Mr. Mitsotakis replied that «it would be reckless to attempt to make any predictions. We are prepared for all possibilities. In Congress, in the House of Representatives and the Senate, we have strong ties with senators and representatives from both parties. »When I spoke in Congress, I received applause from both sides of the chamber.”.
Regarding allegations in the United Kingdom of «match-fixing in soccer,» he said, «It doesn’t concern us; we won’t comment on it; we aren’t involved in any way.».
Regarding efforts to combat hooliganism in Greece, he said that steps have been taken to clean up the sport, which have also been acknowledged by the UEFA president. He added that it is good that we have a competitive league.
Regarding the meeting with PASOK-KINAL President Nikos Androulakis, he said he is waiting following their conversation and that it is up to the PASOK president to decide when to schedule it. «I have to focus on my own affairs,» he said regarding PASOK’s rise in the polls.
«PASOK is shifting to the left. It cannot simultaneously appeal to SYRIZA voters and present itself as a reformist in the political center,» he said, among other things, citing specific recent examples, such as the election of the new Ombudsman.
Regarding the return of Mr. Tsipras and SYRIZA, he said: «Good riddance. They’ve made their bed, so they’ll have to lie in it—and they may well get the end they deserve. As for Mr. Tsipras’s reappearance, I’ll say it came after the Novartis ruling. The case turned out to be a setup. He offered no self-criticism for his actions, and now the mastermind behind the Novartis case is here to point the finger at us.».
Regarding the upcoming parliamentary elections, the prime minister said that «if by 2027 we have fulfilled our key commitments, we will deserve a third four-year term. Measures are being taken to improve citizens» lives,” and he made a special mention of preventive medical screenings.
When asked about German reparations, he noted that he had raised the issue—as had the President of the Republic—with the German President, specifically regarding the occupation loan. «I believe that legally, this is a much stronger case. We can discuss this with the Germans and tell them that we are asserting our claim and seeking a solution,» he added.
On the issue of electing the President of the Republic, Mr. Mitsotakis said: «I will not take a position on this because it would be inappropriate. We will have this discussion at the time specified by the Constitution, in early 2025.».
When asked whether a prime minister has a sense of society, he replied: «I try. No one can truly identify with another person’s life. You don’t bridge that gap with statements of support. You bridge it with policies. We’ll prove it in practice. We can’t meet every demand, but we certainly have to listen.».
