Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis gave a comprehensive interview to SKAI on Saturday morning (02.11.24), emphasizing critical issues of the moment, announcing emergency aid to low-income pensioners in December, firing “shots” at SYRIZA and Alexis Tsipras in the “shadow” of Novartis and emphasizing the importance of good relations with Turkey, responding to the points of Antonis Samaras.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis began the interview, referring to the deadly floods in Spain, underlining the importance of 112 and reiterating that the absolute priority is the protection of human life.
“I prefer that 112 be called unnecessarily once, than that human lives be endangered,” he said characteristically.
It is recalled that just last Thursday from the Council of Ministers (31.10.24) the Prime Minister announced the new minimum wage calculation system.
It foresees a permanent increase from 2027, while its reduction will be prohibited by law.
The average salary in 2027 will be over 1,500 euros
As Mr. Mitsotakis pointed out, in 2027 the minimum wage will reach 950 euros, with an increase of almost 50%. “This increase raises the level of wages in the country”, he emphasized.
“My estimate is that the average salary will exceed 1,500 euros in 2027,” he said.
Asked about the scenario of new tax breaks after 2025, the prime minister left open the possibility of reducing the tax scale until the end of his government’s term.
He even set the priorities in this direction in the following order: middle class, presumptions and finally VAT.
The “gift” to the low pensioners and the corrections to the solidarity contribution
At the same time, Mr. Mitsotakis announced that in December, before the Christmas holidays, emergency aid will be given to low pensioners, while he stated that “we will have corrections to the solidarity levy by the end of the year”.
Regarding the explosion of the bomb in Ampelokipi, he emphasized that there are still terrorist nuclei in the country.
For the Yafka of the Vineyards
He expressed his trust in ELAS and the Anti-Terrorist Service and estimated that it will be established who and why were preparing a terrorist attack, then the explosion on Arkadias Street in Ampelokipi.
For seasonal firefighters, it conjured up very sad, unpleasant images.
“The pictures with the seasonal firefighters are sad”
“The country had and still has seasonal firefighters, because there are more needs in the summer than in the winter,” he noted, stressing that we have the largest number of seasonal firefighters in the EU.
“We can disagree with Turkey without being on the verge of war”
Continuing with national issues, Mr. Mitsotakis pointed out that he wants the country to have a good relationship with Turkey.
“Even if we agree that we disagree with Turkey and that we cannot solve the EEZ and continental shelf issues, this does not mean that we should be on the verge of war,” he underlined, stressing that “I prefer calm to turbulent waters with Turkey ».
“I respect the opinions Samara – Everyone understands the responsibility of unity”
At this point, the prime minister referred to Antonis Samaras and his harsh criticism of the government’s policy of managing national issues, saying: “I always respect the views of the former prime minister, he has his own experience in Greek-Turkish, but he knows very well that he must to talk with Turkey”.
“Everyone understands the responsibility they have to preserve the unity and not to take actions that injure the cohesion of KO”, he said, when asked about his relations with the two former prime ministers, Messrs. Karamanlis and Samaras.
“I maintain a personal relationship with Mike Pompeo”
Regarding his meeting last night (01.11.24) with Mike Pompeo, Mr. Mitsotakis said that “I meet people even when they leave their positions of power”.
“Every time he comes, I meet him, I have learned that personal relationships should be maintained even when people leave the political scene. I recognize that he always supported the Greek positions,” he said.
“We are ready for all eventualities in the American elections”
Regarding the American elections, he pointed out that “we are ready for all eventualities. In Congress we have very strong contacts with many elected representatives. The view that Greece is a pillar of stability and a strategic partner is a view held by senators and congressmen from both parties. And when I spoke in Congress, I got a standing ovation from both sides.”
The meeting with Androulakis and the spikes for PASOK
Asked if he will meet with Nikos Androulakis, Mr. Mitsotakis stated that he contacted him to congratulate him and invited him for a meeting, explaining that so far it has not been arranged by the PASOK president. “I imagine he will,” he said. However, he criticized PASOK’s stance on issues such as the ASEP bill and the non-consent in the election of the new Ombudsman.
“Good riddance to SYRIZA – Tsipras orchestrator of Novartis”
“Good riddance. As they laid, they will sleep. Possibly they will have the end they deserve”, was his comment about SYRIZA.
He also referred to the tips of Alexis Tsipras on Justice. As he said, he had been “the orchestrator of Novartis” and now he is “wagging the finger”.
On claiming a third term in 2027, he said that “citizens are not interested in what will happen in 2027, but the problems they face”.
“We want to improve the lives of citizens at all levels”, he pointed out, estimating that if the government implements its central commitments, it will be able to claim a third term.
Regarding the Thessaloniki Metro, he said that citizens will be impressed not only by the project but also by the way the cultural heritage has been preserved. For Athens, he said there will be 1,000 new buses by 2025.
Regarding the election of the President of the Republic, he said that he will not stand because it is inelegant. “We will have this discussion in early 2025,” he reiterated.
“My family reminds me that power is not forever”
Asked about his mother, Mr. Mitsotakis recalled that he had spoken openly about her health problems, such as breast cancer, in times when such matters were not for public discussion. Although he has been gone for 12 years, today I would tell him to have a balance between work and personal life. “She would certainly be happy to adopt a horizontal disability policy,” he said.
As for his family, he said his wife and children speak their mind unfiltered and help keep him grounded, as well as reminding him that power doesn’t last forever. “Greet the pedestrian when you mount, so that he also greets you when you dismount,” he said, recalling the Cretan mandinada.
#Emergency #aid #lowincome #pensioners #December
**Interview with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis**
**Interviewer:** Good morning, Prime Minister Mitsotakis. Thank you for joining us today. You recently addressed several pressing issues during your interview with SKAI. Can you elaborate on your plans to support low-income pensioners this December?
**Mitsotakis:** Good morning, and thank you for having me. As we approach the holiday season, it is my priority to ensure that our elderly citizens, particularly those on low pensions, receive emergency aid to help them during this time. This assistance reflects our commitment to social welfare, especially as we recover from the economic disruptions of the past years.
**Interviewer:** You also mentioned a significant increase in the minimum wage expected by 2027. Can you tell us more about your plans to raise salaries in Greece?
**Mitsotakis:** Absolutely. Our new minimum wage calculation system will ensure that the minimum wage rises systematically, reaching 950 euros by 2027—a nearly 50% increase. I believe that enhancing the average salary to beyond 1,500 euros will elevate living standards for all Greeks, reinforcing our economy’s resilience.
**Interviewer:** You touched upon the importance of maintaining good relations with Turkey. How do you envision navigating the challenges in this relationship?
**Mitsotakis:** It’s crucial to differentiate between disagreeing on specific issues and placing our countries on a collision course. We can value calm relations with Turkey, even when disagreements arise over matters like the EEZ and continental shelf. Maintaining dialogue is essential, and I believe regular communication can prevent tensions from escalating.
**Interviewer:** Regarding the recent bomb explosion in Ampelokipi, can you share your thoughts on national security and how your government plans to address current threats?
**Mitsotakis:** Our security forces, particularly ELAS and the Anti-Terrorist Service, remain vigilant. I have full confidence that they will identify those responsible for the recent incident and thoroughly investigate the matter. This situation underscores the ongoing threat of terrorism, and we must collectively prioritize safety and security across Greece.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, with the U.S. elections approaching, how do you view Greece’s relationship with America and its implications for your government?
**Mitsotakis:** Our partnership with the United States is stronger than ever, and we are prepared for any eventuality concerning the elections. Greece is recognized as a cornerstone of stability in the region, and I have strong ties with many members of Congress. This bipartisan recognition bolsters our strategic partnerships and aligns with our national interests.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Prime Minister Mitsotakis, for sharing your insights on these important issues.
**Mitsotakis:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial for us to engage in these conversations as we move forward for the benefit of our nation.
