Criticism directed at Alexis Tsipras was launched by the Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister, Thanasis Kontogeorgis, noting characteristically that he is coming “with momentum for a program in Thessaloniki.”
Specifically, speaking on Parapolitika Radio—prompted in fact by what Alexis Tsipras said on Monday evening at an open rally—he said: “Mr. Tsipras is coming on strong, but with a strong push for a Thessaloniki program. If we evaluate what was said, it brings back memories of the recent past. His side represented populism in the country, resorted to empty promises, one-upmanship, and proposals with no cost estimates, and never spoke about the future. “That’s what we’ve seen so far from Mr. Tsipras,” he said, while also posing what he described as a reasonable question: “Why, if it’s so easy now, didn’t you do it back then?”
Especially regarding the former prime minister’s proposals on public transportation and taxation, “someone acting in good faith might judge these to be unrealistic,” the deputy minister said, adding: “It is the opposition’s job to put forward realistic proposals. And it doesn’t say how to grow the economy so that I can do this.”
On the other hand, he pointed out, “we are moving forward with measures by expanding the pie.” Specifically regarding the opposition’s promises to restore the 13th pension and the 13th salary, this would cost 4 billion, the Deputy Minister noted, and “to provide them, you must either raise taxes or cut from somewhere.” On the contrary, he insisted, “we have proven that when we say we’ll do something, we do it—and we do even more.”
When asked whether measures in favor of self-employed professionals and retirees would be announced at the Thessaloniki International Fair, he replied that “decisions will be made after August 15. Let’s see the fiscal space, how tourism went.” He assured, however, that “we will not adopt any anti-growth policies.”
Moreover, whatever fiscal space is finalized, it will be allocated “toward reducing direct taxes and supporting the most vulnerable,” he emphasized.
When asked to comment on the proposal by PASOK President Nikos Androulakis to reduce VAT on basic goods, he countered that “European experience has shown that (such a measure) is very likely to be lost in the supply chain and fail to reach the consumer. Furthermore, it will entail significant fiscal costs. Anyone proposing it must explain how they intend to cover the cost.” In any case, he added, “at this moment, there is no such discussion on the table.”
When asked if there is a rift between the party leadership and New Democracy MPs, Mr. Kontogeorgis stated: “We are all working toward the same goal. I haven’t felt this gap, I work very closely with the MPs on regional issues.” Also, “I always start with the MPs; they give you a snapshot of the region.”
Regarding the administrative state, he noted that “the idea—and this is what he’s working on—is that we can create a center through which we can coordinate policies and design policies.” Furthermore, a future Prime Minister will find a ready-made structure of civil servants, he noted.
In a subsequent comment, he said: “We have ten months ahead of us to complete as much as we can regarding what we have committed to but also (to say) what we propose to the Greek people for the day after.”
When asked about the political plans of former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, he referred to the prime minister’s interview on ANT1 with Nikos Hatzinikolaou: there, “with the seriousness and respect for institutional norms that are required, he referred to both former prime ministers.” Specifically, “he said something we all think within the broader political camp, that if something like that happens, there is obviously some damage, certainly on a symbolic level…”. It’s too early to talk about the electoral impact, he added.
However, he clarified that “the criticism is unfair on the issues it focuses on. Among those who feel close to the party, (this criticism) falls on deaf ears. Because if there is one thing they are most proud of, it is how the prime minister has conducted the country’s foreign policy, (he takes pride in) the increase in the country’s defense and deterrence capabilities, the increase in diplomatic capital, the fact that our country has a voice and exercises its sovereign rights with seriousness and prudence.”
When asked about the role that the other former prime minister, Kostas Karamanlis, Thanasis Kontogeorgis pointed out: “The present and future of our country, especially in such an environment, requires not only the accumulated experience present in the government and the Prime Minister, but also a joining of forces among people who understand what is happening and want to move things forward. I believe that the former Prime Minister, Mr. Karamanlis, will be part of this effort.”
As for the pre-election dilemma, he said that it “will concern both the policies and the Prime Minister’s character.” As for post-election scenarios, he replied: “We’ll see it all on election night.” In any case, “this is not a two-round election. In 2023, we had two rounds because we had a different electoral system.” And, “especially given the current situation in the country, we must have a government in place the very next day. The prime minister and the government have made it abundantly clear that we seek a majority government not out of self-interest or as an end in itself,” but, he added, single-party governments are more effective.
In closing, he took a jab at PASOK, because at its convention, as he argued, “focused more on who it would not cooperate with. Certainly, the margins are narrower than they could be under other circumstances.” In any case, “New Democracy and the prime minister will not leave the country without a government,” he assured.
In response to the final question, regarding whether he would be a candidate for parliament, Thanasis Kontogeorgis said that in the government “we have a lot on our plate, we have ten months ahead of us during which we’re all rushing to get as much done as possible. I am fully committed to this effort. If the prime minister wants anything, we’ll see.”
