“We have a real adversary: the real problems facing Greek society. My optimism isn’t based on polls. It’s based on our work. Citizens care about measurable results that affect their daily lives,” emphasized the Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Vasilis Kikilias, in an interview with Realnews.
Mr. Kikilias highlighted that a prime example is the program “AIGIS” program, which was implemented by the Civil Protection Agency in just 18 months. As he said, “We condensed more than a decade’s worth of programs into a very short period of time. We ushered the country into a new era: drones, artificial intelligence, a modern operations center, new aerial assets, better equipment, faster procedures, and with absolute transparency. This is the mindset with which we work. The discussion about failing to achieve a majority is heading in the wrong direction. Anyone talking now about second- and third-best scenarios has already entered the battle with their eyes downcast. New Democracy is going to the polls to win and govern on its own. Coalition scenarios mainly concern those competing for second and third place.”
When asked how the trust of citizens is earned, the Minister replied that this can be achieved “through truth, hard work, and results. Trust isn’t something you ask for; it’s earned anew, every day, one result at a time. No government has the right to take its citizens for granted. The longer you remain in power, the greater your obligation to listen, correct mistakes, and move forward more quickly. That’s what we’re doing. In Health, amid the pandemic, we kept ESY and protected human lives under unprecedented pressure. In Civil Protection, we undertook a comprehensive upgrade, with new tools, drones, artificial intelligence, and better coordination. In Shipping , we are working toward safer seas, stronger ports, and more opportunities. New Democracy has governed under very difficult conditions. It has made mistakes, but it also has a proven ability to keep the country stable and get things done. This is what matters most to me: less self-referentiality, more work. Less political noise, more measurable results. Because in the end, citizens don’t judge intentions. They judge whether their lives have improved.”
Regarding developments in Greek-Turkish relations, Mr. Kikilias pointed out that “Our maritime borders are not just a theoretical concept in diplomatic offices. They are the daily responsibility of people who work day and night. Dialogue is a tool when you know what you want, when you have firm positions, and when you seriously defend national interests. The bill regarding “the blue homeland” is not something we ignore. It is a unilateral claim that has no basis in international law or the law of the sea. Our position is clear and unwavering. We need neither loud rhetoric nor illusions. What we need is a clear strategy, strong alliances, and the strength that comes from a functioning state. And this is what we are working on every day at the Ministry of Shipping in a very concrete way, by strengthening our presence at our maritime borders.”
Referring to international developments and the strategic role of Greek shipping, the Minister noted that “Developments in the Middle East, as well as past crises such as COVID, or ongoing ones such as the war in Ukraine, have reminded us in the clearest possible way that shipping is a strategic pillar of global trade, energy security, economic stability, and the prosperity of our societies. Today, approximately 90% of global trade is conducted by sea. When free navigation is disrupted, it directly affects supply chains, energy, transportation, product prices, and ultimately the daily lives of millions, if not billions, of citizens. In this international context, Greece possesses a unique strategic advantage. It has more than 5,800 Greek-owned ships, accounting for approximately 20% of the global fleet and 61% of the European fleet. “This is a very strong strategic advantage that allows us to play a decisive role in shaping major decisions regarding shipping and international trade.” He added that “this momentum extends far beyond the fleet itself and creates significant development prospects for the country. Shipping is a powerful pillar of development, and an entire ecosystem is growing around it. Shipyards, ports, energy infrastructure, coastal shipping, cruise tourism , yachting, and the maritime economy as a whole can attract significant investment, create new and well-paid jobs, and further strengthen our country’s growth momentum and geopolitical power. Shipping and, more broadly, the blue economy must take their rightful place in the EU’s development policies, within the model promoted by Greece.”
Regarding the development of the port of Elefsina, Mr. Kikilias noted that “Greece has entered a period in which it is attracting significant investments, and this is the result of the stability, reliability, and trust it has built up in recent years. The port of Elefsina is a prime example of this new momentum. This is an investment of strategic importance, with a strong developmental impact on Western Attica and the country as a whole.” As he noted, “the development of the port could fundamentally transform the landscape of the wider region. The revitalization of the waterfront, the creation of a modern, high-standard marina, the development of new maritime-related activities, and increased economic activity in the area can give the city a new outlook. It can attract new businesses, boost shipbuilding, create new, well-paying jobs, and offer more opportunities for young people to stay, work, and thrive in their hometown. When a region is truly revitalized, it shows in every aspect. In infrastructure, in the local market, in the quality of life, and in the value of the properties of the people who have lived there for years. This is the added value that major investments can create for local communities.”
