Mitsotakis: I have no intention of giving more to farmers

The Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, clarified his position ahead of the meeting with the majority farmers’ committee on Monday at Maximos Mansion.

“I will listen to them. However, they know that the framework of interventions that the government can make has already practically been announced. I am 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 than what Europe permits us,” he stated specifically in an interview with the Alpha television station.

The Prime Minister even attempted to downplay the meeting with the committee that was appointed by the nationwide blockades, saying: “The farmers have already come to Maximos. I say this because I met with a large representative group from all over Greece. Let us not think that those who monopolize the television time represent all the farmers.”

Regarding the head of the Malgara blockade, Kostas Anestidis, for whom Maximos Mansion had vetoed his participation due to off-camera statements against the Prime Minister, and who is now excluded from the committee according to the nationwide blockade announcement, Mr. Mitsotakis said: “I don’t want to comment. Everyone can draw their conclusions,” and added: “Unfortunately, for 10 seconds of publicity, many—especially those who are inexperienced with the media—may resort to excesses. I don’t think this reflects the image of the primary sector.”

One and only issue with Turkey: the EEZ

Asked about when the Supreme Cooperation Council between Greece and Turkey will take place, and thus his next meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Prime Minister clarified: “The date has not been finalized. We hope it will happen within the first two weeks of February.”

Regarding Fidan’s statements on a “permanent solution in the Aegean,” Mr. Mitsotakis clarified: “Everyone has a different perspective on what we should resolve. Greece says, of course, a definitive solution to one and only one issue: the EEZ and the continental shelf in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean. Turkey must refrain from claims that are baseless and will not be recognized by any Greek government.”

He also noted: “A framework is being formed for sincere discussion.” He added, “Even if we disagree—which we do— with Turkey, it doesn’t mean we should always be on high alert. Open channels must be maintained.” He concluded: “I will go to Turkey as the head of a ministerial delegation to discuss both the major and minor issues.”

On the ironic comments by Edi Rama about Greeks thinking they are descendants of Plato, the Prime Minister addressed the recent comments by Edi Rama saying that Greeks believe they are descendants of Plato: “I know him for six years and I know his particular way of expressing himself. Sometimes things slip out of his mouth that he shouldn’t say. I think he understood his mistake. That was an incredible blunder,” Mr. Mitsotakis stated. He emphasized that “Mr. Rama knows that Albania’s path to the EU goes through Greece” and referred to the comment as “inappropriate, which is better left behind.”

“Polls don’t always get it right”

On the announced party of Maria Karystianou, Mr. Mitsotakis commented: “It’s strange, poll-wise—I don’t know how ethical it is—to be measuring parties that don’t even exist yet.”

He expressed the opinion that: “The reality will only reflect itself once we have specific announcements.” He added: “There is a great distance between being a parent of a victim of a national tragedy and being the leader of a political party.”

The Prime Minister reiterated that elections will take place in the spring of 2027. Regarding the polls showing New Democracy far from the threshold of an absolute majority, he initially pointed out that: “We are still a year away from the elections—and in politics, a year is a century. Especially when considering how fast things change, and the volatile environment we are in,” and added: “Before the 2023 elections, the polls showed New Democracy at 33% and SYRIZA at 25%, and in the end, New Democracy won 41%, and SYRIZA 20%. Polls don’t always get it right.”

“No one is permanent. We are all judged by results”

He reiterated his belief in majority governments. He used a naval analogy saying: “My slogan is ‘full steam ahead.’ In my view, this is best achieved with self-sufficient governments.”

He added, “But ultimately, the sovereign people will decide, based on the current electoral law—which is not up for change—whether we will have a majority or coalition government.”

In response to a question about the possibility of his departure between the first and second rounds of elections, Mr. Mitsotakis answered: “You’re going too far. No one is permanent. We are all judged by results.”

He also commented, marking the 10th anniversary of his leadership of New Democracy: “I know that for a decade, I’ve managed to keep New Democracy first and politically dominant. And I want to continue on this path. Not for political ambition, but because political stability, provided by New Democracy, is a prerequisite for stable increases in wages, stable strengthening of the armed forces, and steady improvement in health.”

“No flight safety issues”

For the first time, Mr. Mitsotakis commented on the blackout at Athens FIR: “I won’t hide behind my finger. It was a concerning incident, but there was no issue with flight safety. However, the country’s airspace cannot be closed,” he stated.

He assured that there is no issue with flight safety with the old equipment; however, it does not allow for more planes in the airspace, which causes problems, especially in the summer. He stated that the equipment will be renewed within two years and pointed out that “we inherited a problematic situation, but we will overcome it through urgent processes. The modernization of the equipment is already being addressed.”