«Better wages, decent health care for all and affordable housing, especially for young people» are the goals that Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis prioritised as the most important for the next period, starting from 2023, in his New Year message. Mr. Mitsotakis, after referring to «imported inflation, which is nibbling away at average income», but also to the «targeted efforts of the state to support society and the economy in every unforeseen test», makes special reference to measures that come into force tomorrow, such as the increase in pensions, the increase in the salaries of NHS doctors and the abolition of the solidarity contribution for civil servants and pensioners, and insists that it is «a national duty to maintain fiscal discipline".
Here is the full message of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis for the New Year
«Today is New Year's Eve and the threshold of 2023 becomes, thus, an opportunity to reflect on the many events we have lived together in the past year. The successive challenges that our country has faced. But also of the great steps forward.
Because the new year finds Greece with the lowest unemployment since 2010, with investment, exports and tourism revenues exceeding all expectations. With global business giants putting their trust in the country and its future. And with the digital state serving the citizen, eliminating bureaucracy and facilitating their daily lives.
And yet, with our borders secure and our national defence shielded. Both with transnational agreements and with modern armaments. Even the local shipbuilding industry is being revived today. Above all, however, with the state constantly raising mounds in favour of society, sometimes against the consequences of war and sometimes against the attacks of international precision.
All these are not successes of the government. They are successes of Greece, made possible by your support for our initiatives. But also thanks to your understanding of our weaknesses. We always learn from them. After all, we have proven that together we can make difficulties into opportunities, reaching the opposite shore through the waves every time.
I am well aware that imported inflation continues to “nibble away” at average income. That it puts a lot of pressure, especially on our most vulnerable citizens. And that it makes it difficult for our businesses to operate. But you also know the many targeted efforts of the state to support the economy and society in every unforeseen test.
From the 1st of the month, pensioners will see, after many years, increases in their pensions. NHS doctors will see increases in their salaries. And now all Greeks will be relieved by the abolition of the Solidarity Levy. From February, too, the state will cover a significant part of basic household expenses. While on 1 April, earlier than last year, the minimum wage will be raised again.
We can do all this precisely because our economy is growing much faster than the European average. But also because our priority has always been, and still is, for society to prosper without leaving anyone behind. This is the goal I have been serving from the very beginning. And on this path I remain: to move forward and always united.
At the same time, however, I have a national debt to preserve fiscal stability. That is why, even though 2023 is an election year, I will not get caught up in a plethora of promises. Nor am I going to hand out money that doesn't exist.
‘Besides, after almost four years in office as Prime Minister, you now know that I only commit myself to what I am sure I can deliver. And that is how I have been going since you entrusted me with this huge responsibility: to build together today a tomorrow that is better than yesterday, with Stability, with Consistency and with Continuity.
So we welcome 2023 with optimism. And as I have said, if our first slogan was «less taxes», our second should be «better wages», decent health care for all and affordable housing, especially for the younger generation. Objectives that will certainly not become reality overnight. But they are, nevertheless, on the rails of specific timetables.
As long as we stick together. Armed with the truth, the plan and the will to work.
I wish health, joy and hope to all Greek women and men, everywhere in the world. No one behind and all together forward! This is our message for the new year. We can and we will achieve it!
Happy birthday!
