From Rhodes, Kyriakos Mitsotakis highlighted the economy, defense, tourism and credibility, calling for a new, self-sufficient mandate in the 2027 elections.
The Prime Minister and president of New Democracy, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, addressed a gathering of citizens in Rhodes, sending a message of electoral readiness ahead of 2027 and asking for citizens’ support for a third consecutive term in government with a majority government. At the same time, he thanked the party’s leadership and grassroots members for their participation in party processes and praised their contribution to the faction’s electoral victories.
Tourism and the economy-Aiming for better wages
Mr. Mitsotakis placed particular emphasis on the performance of tourism in Rhodes, noting that arrivals have already increased by 2%, despite international geopolitical turmoil. He thanked the industry’s workers, describing the island as the “flagship” of Greek tourism and expressing his confidence that this year will end with particularly positive results.
Referring to the economy, he recalled that a key pre-election commitment of the government in 2023 was to increase wages and boost disposable income. He pointed out that wages in Rhodes’ tourism sector are higher due to the sectoral collective bargaining agreement, emphasizing that growth must benefit both businesses and workers.
The prime minister acknowledged that inflation and accumulated inflation have absorbed part of the increases, but he argued that fiscal stability allows the government to support citizens through permanent interventions and social measures.
Public debt and stability—The message against benefits
He made a special reference to public debt, emphasizing that Greece is now in a position to repay it more quickly, leaving, as he said, a significant legacy for future generations.
Mr. Mitsotakis emphasized that the government succeeded in supporting society without jeopardizing fiscal balance. He made it clear that he would not succumb to the temptation of pre-election handouts that could undermine the stability of the economy, noting that growth and surpluses allow for investments in health, education, defense, and support for retirees.
Immigration and Defense-“Greece is safe”
The Prime Minister placed particular emphasis on issues of security, noting that the government has effectively addressed the migration issue, making border protection a European priority, as he stated.
Referring to the Dodecanese and Rhodes, he argued that the island’s residents can feel safe, as the country currently has the strongest Armed Forces in its modern history. He even cited the recent deployment of Greek military assets to Cyprus as proof of operational readiness and support for the Greek people wherever needed.
As he said, investments in defense will continue in the coming years, so that Greece can maintain a strong deterrent and effectively protect its sovereignty and sovereign rights.
The 2027 Dilemma—“Only New Democracy has a plan for 2030”
Moving on to the political part of his speech, Kyriakos Mitsotakis argued that New Democracy is the only political force with a comprehensive plan for Greece in 2030, citing as key challenges artificial intelligence, changes in the labor market, youth education, and geopolitical developments.
At the same time, he criticized the opposition, arguing that its main concern is undermining the government rather than formulating an alternative governance proposal. He noted that the government has implemented a large portion of its pre-election commitments, and where there were shortcomings, it acknowledged them and sought to correct them.
Concluding his speech, the prime minister reiterated that the elections will take place in the spring of 2027 and called on the party’s officials and voters to convey the government’s message to society. He emphasized that the key issue at stake will be continuing the path of stability and growth, once again asking for the public’s trust in New Democracy as the only force that can, as he said, guarantee security, prosperity and credibility for the country.
