Mitsotakis: I am expecting the farmers at my office on Monday

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis sent a new and more specific message for dialogue with the farmers during his speech at the New Democracy Parliamentary Group. “The state is open to dialogue. On Monday afternoon at 5, I will be waiting at my office for whatever delegation the farmers appoint,” said the Prime Minister, as thousands of farmers continue to block the port of Thessaloniki.

It is reminded that on Saturday at 12 noon, the nationwide coordination committee of the blockades will meet in Nikaia, Larissa, to appoint representatives and prioritize the farmers’ demands for a meeting with the Prime Minister. The government obviously expects the budget to be voted on with open roads on Tuesday, December 16. However, they set as a condition that the farmers’ delegation must come with specific demands.

According to reports, the following measures are on the table for the farmers:

The extension of the electricity subsidy for farmers to 9 cents per kWh.

A 50% increase in the fuel tax refund for agricultural diesel, with a fairer redistribution based on crops, as those with tree crops and vineyards are disadvantaged by the current regulation.

However, the situation will not ease unless more drastic measures are taken for livestock farmers, who were forced to cull entire herds due to foot-and-mouth disease. In addition to compensation, the government is called to consider a livestock restoration program, similar to the one announced after the Daniel storm, though it is crucial that this does not take another two years.

“We can discuss, sometimes vigorously”

Mitsotakis began his speech with celebratory comments on the election of Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis as the President of the Eurogroup. He continued by highlighting the tax cuts in the budget, particularly for the middle class. He ended by referencing the agricultural mobilizations, though he pointedly noted that “today’s meeting is dedicated to preparing for the budget discussion.” In doing so, he indirectly discouraged MPs from turning the meeting into a “battlefield” as it was in the previous meeting with the Minister of Rural Development, Kostas Tsiaras. It is noteworthy that almost half of the Prime Minister’s speech was dedicated to the agricultural issue and the turmoil it is causing within New Democracy.

Similarly, in his speech, the Secretary of the New Democracy Parliamentary Group, MP Maximos Harakopoulos from Larissa, commented that “the MPs had the opportunity for a lively, though useful, meeting with the leadership of the Ministry of Rural Development” and added that “today’s meeting is dedicated to the government’s economic policy just before the budget.”

Harakopoulos also said: “No one will claim that everything is ideal. The problems are known and require solutions, such as those that have caused disruption in the agricultural community, which has been and remains our community, I am sure of it. Because only New Democracy has proven that it listens and now only New Democracy and the Mitsotakis government can provide solutions, as long as the representatives of the farmers come to dialogue with prioritized proposals.”

The Prime Minister also expressed his satisfaction about the meeting with regional MPs and Tsiaras, stating, “Because we can discuss – sometimes vigorously – with the responsible minister and present proposals.” He added: “We are a democratic party, we give a voice to our MPs.”

Mitsotakis calls on MPs to support

Mitsotakis, however, urged New Democracy MPs to repeat certain points to their constituents, especially in rural areas, essentially asking them to support the government. “We are giving more money this year than last year, this should be emphasized. Despite the disruption caused by the necessary inclusion of OPEKEPE in AADE. The fact that we were able to make payments is due to the great effort of the state officials responsible for signing decisions, as well as the Minister and Deputy Prime Minister. It was not obvious that we would make payments on the move,” the Prime Minister said.

“The delays due to the new system are being addressed immediately. In the coming weeks, those who are under review but entitled to support will be paid. There will be more funds for the legitimate ones. These will get more,” he continued and added: “Every protest must also consider society. Roads, airports, ports belong to everyone. We must not risk human lives by diverting traffic to bypass routes. Markets must not suffer as the holiday season approaches.”

“Only when the party dominates, can its MP progress”

Mitsotakis also told the Parliamentary Group: “We have a duty to communicate our messages to every region of the country. MPs are not just conveyors of public sentiment, but political shapers of public opinion.” He pointed out: “Only when the party dominates, can its MP progress. And no one has anything to gain personally unless it first prevails politically.”

He also said: “We are present to fight all the battles ahead – In the call, no one is left out. We are uniting our base and reaching out to citizens who started from different political backgrounds.”

The next elections are an existential bet for the country

Mitsotakis argued that: “The stakes in the upcoming national elections will not be partisan, but existential: whether the country will remain stable and secure or become a ‘Leaderless State,’ held hostage by a fragmented scene in a turbulent period.” He described the approval of the budget as “a positive response to the dilemma of whether Greece will continue its upward trajectory or return to dead ends and adventures.”

He said: “This year’s budget is social and developmental – realistic and reformist. With permanent interventions supporting the middle class, young people, and families. It takes care of our fellow citizens in the regions, especially in the border areas. With a safety net for the vulnerable. And with a steady guide of continuous tax reductions and increased earnings.”

Celebrations for Pierrakakis – “Many worked for this great national success”

Mitsotakis also expressed the opinion that Pierrakakis’ election as President of the Eurogroup “marks the country’s return from bankruptcy to development – thanks to the sacrifices of a people who resisted lies and populism, choosing realism.” He wondered: “Where are all those who spoke of economic failure and international isolation? We leave them in the past. We are looking to the future.”

It is noted that since Pierrakakis was absent due to the Eurogroup meeting and his election as President, the budget was presented to the New Democracy Parliamentary Group by Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis and Deputy Minister of Finance Thanos Petralias. Former Finance Minister Christos Staikouras will also speak, as the Prime Minister remarked, “Many worked for this great national success” of Greece’s economic progress, which was recognized with Pierrakakis’ election as Eurogroup President.