Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis referred to all the burning issues of the next period, from the forecasts for the performance of the economy to the Greek-Turkish one, the possibility of early elections and the functioning of society in the midst of a pandemic, in an interview with the Thessaloniki International Fair.
Regarding the field of Greek-Turkish relations, he reiterated that Greece's policy towards Turkey is based on the pursuit of good relations on the basis of international law and respect for the country's sovereign rights.
“Everyone knows that our right to self-defense is completely non-negotiable. I consider it positive that 2021 did not have the tensions of 2020 “, said Mr. Mitsotakis. At the same time, he clarified that there is no scheduled meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in New York within the framework of the United Nations General Assembly.
The Greek Prime Minister argued that Greece and Turkey can cooperate more on the refugee issue, in which “there is a basic agreement between Europe-Greece and Turkey”, as he said.
On the same issue, Mr. Mitsotakis referred to the recent communication he had with the President of Turkey, noting that in the refugee interests of the two countries are “inextricably aligned”. “I think we should always talk. We have important differences. Useful to avoid unnecessary tension. To some extent we have achieved this in 2021. Greece follows a strategy of active border guarding. He will do it in the future as well “, he added.
“We have reduced flows and we have protected many lives at sea. I said I would crush the traffickers' circuits. Many thanks to the Police, the Coast Guard and the Armed Forces. The fence in Evros has been practically completed and if it needs to be expanded. The Greek borders are also European. “In this way we protect Western domination,” said the Greek Prime Minister.
Mr. Mitsotakis also referred to the renewal of Greece's defense cooperation with the United States, noting that the information that the discussion on the renewal of this cooperation will take place on a five-year basis is correct. “This allows both sides better planning, a more significant US presence in our country and a reaffirmation of the strategic partnership between the two countries that I think is at its best ever,” he said.
In the field of economy, Mr. Mitsotakis estimated that 2022 will be a good year for the economy, while he stated that he feels safe with the forecast for growth of 5.9% in 2021. “This is the minimum level of growth we can achieve in 2021 “, while he argued that the measures of the Greek government are in line with an overall strategy of the government to create wealth and distribute it fairly.
Referring to the issues of the pandemic, he assessed that its treatment is not over, but clarified that the country will not close again.
Regarding the operation of the schools, Mr. Mitsotakis said that it will be re-evaluated, while he did not rule out closing classes if something like this is needed.
Addressing the vaccinators, he noted that “all I have to tell them is that they are taking a very big risk. Our job is to talk to everyone no matter how hard we try to persuade. I do not see any political motivation, while on the other hand it is clear that the official opposition has never turned its back on vaccination. In no case, however, do I consider these mobilizations to be motivated. “
Asked about the possibility of early elections, the Greek Prime Minister said that the government will exhaust its constitutional mandate, noting characteristically that “turkeys are not in a hurry to come at Christmas”.
“I look forward to winning the next elections for this and we are planning for a 10-year horizon,” said Mr. Mitsotakis, while accusing the official opposition of an escalation strategy.
Finally, the Greek Prime Minister, answering a question about the mistakes that he considers that the government has made, noted that these concern the fires and the management of the pandemic in Thessaloniki.
“I do not hesitate to acknowledge things that have not been done well. I remind two. One was Thessaloniki that did not close earlier. I did the same for the fires. No one is infallible. The question is whether we can learn from our mistakes. He who does not work does not make mistakes. We need to understand well that if there is a problem somewhere we need to address it. “To bear the political cost with courage,” he concluded.
