The prime minister was categorical on the issue of six-day work in Greece, in an interview with CNN.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis clarified that the work is five days and that this is not going to change.
In the full-length interview, he focused on common defense and the initiatives being undertaken for Europe’s strategic autonomy, while regarding the rise of the extreme right in Europe, he spoke of exaggerations, pointing out that traditional parties are called upon to provide reliable answers to real problems.
Specifically, regarding the headlines in foreign media regarding the establishment of a “six-day work” in the country, Kyriakos Mitsotakis said that this is a myth, clarifying that it concerns limited industries that operate 7 days a week, 24 hours a day and is decided in agreement with the employee with significant additional pay.
“Greece has a five-day work week and this is not going to change. We take the protection of labor rights extremely seriously. That is why we have taken strict measures for employers who violate the law in their hiring, we impose very heavy fines,” he noted.
“We as Europe must spend more on Defense”
“We also need to spend more as Europe. I am a strong supporter of European strategic autonomy. I believe it works. It is an approach particularly complementary to NATO. If all European countries end up spending more on defense, NATO will also be stronger (…)” said K. Mitsotakis.
He focused on the need to create a European defense mechanism, recalling the joint proposal with his Polish counterpart for a European air defense shield that would protect the European airspace. “I think that the European countries, with the war in Ukraine, have realized that these are necessary expenses.
I must of course point out, Julia, that these costs are covered by our national budgets. At some point, however, we will also have to consider in Europe a European defense mechanism that will complement our economic strength with more European resources,” he stressed.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis was asked regarding how he saw American President Joe Biden, following his constant slips of the tongue at the NATO summit.
“I understand the interest in this matter, but I will not enter into this discussion, for obvious reasons. President Biden was present at all the NATO meetings, he was always there. He spoke eloquently regarding important matters. The American elections, it is up to the citizens of the USA to decide,” he emphasized.
“Fears of the rise of the extreme right in Europe are exaggerated”
Regarding the rise of nationalist parties as happened in France and the difficulty this may bring to decision-making at the European level, Kyriakos Mitsotakis pointed out that centrist parties have a majority in the European Parliament.
“The grievances expressed by our citizens by voting for these parties, Julia, are real. They are very concerned regarding issues such as the cost of living, immigration. But the answers offered by these populist parties are too simplistic and usually unattainable. It is up to us, the traditional parties, to offer credible answers and real political solutions to real grievances,” he pointed out.
“This year is a record year for Tourism”
Regarding tourism and whether Greece and the environment can “lift” their weight, the prime minister appeared optimistic, speaking of a record year for tourism.
“I don’t believe that Greece has an overtourism problem. There may be an issue on certain islands in July and August and we need to ensure that we address infrastructure concerns during those months.
In the big picture, though, visitors to Greece generally have a great time. That’s why they keep coming. That’s why I believe that this year will also be a record year for our tourism,” he said. “We are attracting significant investment in our tourism infrastructure, our goal is always to upgrade our product,” the prime minister added.
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