Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis hosted his annual press conference at the Thessaloniki International Fair on Sunday, September 8.
Mitsotakis acknowledged the pressing issues that Greece currently faces, disclosing the many changes officials plan to enforce to ease the pressure on residents.
Housing, Climate, Tourism and Justice Reform
The Prime Minister tackled several pressing issues facing Greece, including housing shortages, water management, tourism pressures, and justice system reforms.
Addressing the housing crisis, Mitsotakis outlined that the government’s priority is to bring more vacant properties into the rental market. The PM revealed plans to adjust the ‘My Home’ subsidised housing program by raising the eligibility age limit to 50 and easing the criteria.
On the topic of water shortages, he unveiled plans for a major water supply project for the capital, which will involve the Evinos and Mornos reservoirs, as well as the Kremasta artificial lake.
Despite the severe fires that ravaged Attica in 2024, the Greek PM defended the government’s handling of the fire season. He pointed out that the extent of land burned was below the average of the past two decades, stating, “despite many more fires with the worst climate conditions of the last 40 years.”
In response to concerns about overtourism, Mitsotakis addressed the strain placed on islands like Santorini and Mykonos by cruise ships, announcing a new 20-euro fee for tourists and measures to regulate the number of ships arriving simultaneously.
“We must apply the brakes on islands where we consider that things have reached a point that is putting strain on the infrastructure,” he said.
He cautioned against portraying Greece as antagonistic to tourism, noting the potential negative impact of such perceptions.
“It is dangerous to present Greece as a country that is hostile to tourism. The city and the countries that did it will face consequences from such an overreaction. Barcelona has more than 30 million visitors a year whereas Athens receives eight million,” he remarked.
Responding to a query about the efficiency of the justice system, the Prime Minister admitted dissatisfaction with its current state.
“We are therefore making significant reforms on many levels,” he stated.
He highlighted the unification of district civil courts with first-instance courts as a key reform, noting that its effectiveness will be assessable in three years.
Wage increases
Mitsotakis highlighted the government’s heavy focus on elevating wage levels, describing it as central to New Democracy’s policies alongside maintaining fiscal stability.
The Greek PM outlined that enhancing the National Health System is the next priority, with plans to ensure that by 2027, numerous health centres will have well-compensated doctors. He highlighted the government’s success in reducing unemployment, noting that unemployment benefits should not inadvertently discourage job-seeking.
Green energy
Mitsotakis emphasised that the green transition and green energy were an economic necessity while noting that the problem was that they do not generate power 24 hours a day. He declared his efforts to correct this shortcoming as soon as feasibly possible.
Relations with Turkey
Addressing Greece’s efforts to improve relations with neighbouring Turkey, Mitsotakis acknowledged the complexities involved, emphasising a pragmatic approach and focusing on the positive aspects of the bilateral relationship.
He specifically mentioned the ‘Blue Homeland’ doctrine, describing it as a significant barrier to resolving fundamental disagreements between Greece and Turkey over the Exclusive Economic Zone and continental shelf.
Source: First Post.
