Mitsotakis: I have no intention of giving more to farmers

The Prime Minister clarified his intentions ahead of the meeting with the majority farmers on Monday at Maximou, Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

“I will listen to them. But they know that the framework of interventions that the government can make has practically already been announced. We are happy to have a broad discussion. But I have no intention of giving more money than the budget can afford, than what social justice demands. -because it's not just the farmers- and what Europe allows us to do.”, he said in particular, speaking to the Alpha television station.

The Prime Minister even attempted to to downplay the meeting with the committee appointed by the national blockade committee, saying: “The farmers have already come to Maximou. I say this because I met with a large group of representatives from all over Greece. We should not think that those who monopolize TV time represent all farmers”. 

Regarding the head of the blockade of Malgaron, Kostas Anestidis, whom Maximou had vetoed due to his off camera statements against the Prime Minister and who eventually remains outside the committee according to the announcement of the national blockades, Mitsotakis said: “I don't want to comment. Everyone can draw their own conclusions,” and commented: “Unfortunately, for 10 seconds of publicity, many - especially people who have no media experience - may resort to extremes. I don't think this is the picture of the primary sector.”.

“One single issue with Turkey, the EEZ”

Asked when the Supreme Cooperation Council between Greece and Turkey will finally take place and therefore his next meeting with Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Prime Minister clarified: “The date is not locked in. Hopefully within the first 15 days of February.”.

Regarding Fidan's statements about a “permanent solution in the Aegean”, Mitsotakis clarified: “Everyone has a different perspective on what we need to solve. Greece says, of course, a definitive solution to the one and only issue, the EEZ and the continental shelf in the Aegean and the eastern Mediterranean. Turkey should renounce claims that are unsubstantiated and will not be recognized by any Greek government.”.

However, he estimated that: “A framework for frank discussion is being established”. While stating that: “And to disagree - which we do - with Turkey does not mean that we have to be in the red all the time. Open channels must be maintained.”. While he concluded: “I will go to Turkey as the head of a ministerial delegation to discuss both the major and individual issues.”.

As regards to Edi Rama's ironic statement that Greeks think they are descendants of Plato, the Prime Minister noted that he has known him for six years and knows the particular way he expresses himself. “Sometimes he misses things he shouldn't say. I think he realized his mistake. That was an unbelievable blunder.”, Mitsotakis said. He stressed that “does Mr. Rama know that Albania's path to the EU passes through Greece” and spoke of a “a misguided statement that is best left behind”. 

“Polls don't always fall through”

On the previously announced party of Maria Karystianou, Mitsotakis commented: “It's odd poll-wise - I don't know how ethical it is - to measure parties that have not yet been formed.”. 

He expressed the view that: “We will reflect the reality only when we have concrete announcements.”. While commenting that: “There is a big difference between being a parent of a victim of a national tragedy and being a party leader.”. 

The Prime Minister reiterated that elections will be held in spring 2027. As for the polls, which show New Democracy far from the threshold of self-reliance, he said that: “We are still a year away - and from the elections. In politics, a year is a century. Especially considering how fast things are changing, what a volatile environment we are in.” and added:

“And before the 2023 elections the polls showed ND at 33% and SYRIZA at 25% and in the end ND got 41% and SYRIZA 20%. Polls don't always fall in.”. 

“Nobody is a lifer. We are all judged by the results.”

He reiterated his faith in self-reliant governments. He used a nautical analogy saying: “My motto is full speed ahead. In my view, this is best done with self-reliant governments.”. 

He added however: “But ultimately the sovereign people will determine, on the basis of the current rules of the game as they have been shaped by the electoral law - because there is no question of change - whether we will have a government of self-government or a government of cooperation.”. 

Asked if there is a possibility of leaving between the first and second elections, Mitsotakis replied: “You're taking me too far. No one is a lifer. We are all judged by the results.”. 

He commented, on the occasion of the recent 10-year anniversary of his election to the leadership of the Southwest, that: “I know that for 10 years I have managed to have the Southwestern Democratic Party first and dominant politically. And I want to continue on this path.ή. Not for political ambition, but because the political stability provided by the New Democracy is a prerequisite for stable wage increases, stable support for the armed forces, stable improvement of health care.”. 

He even stated that the aim is: “We should claim - not in the first person, but in the first plural - a third four-year term”, thus sending a message within the ruling party.