“Today, New Democracy is the party that embodies continuous national renewal—which, after all, was the vision of Konstantinos Karamanlis,” stressed the vice president of the government, Kostis Hatzidakis.
Mr. Hatzidakis spoke at an event titled “Challenges and Opportunities for Greece in 2030”, organized by the Constantinos Karamanlis Institute for Democracy, the Association of Former New Democracy Officials, and the party’s Thessaloniki Prefectural Executive Committee.
“We are not coming here arrogantly to tell you that we did everything right; we are not pretending that there are no problems facing Greek citizens. We acknowledge the mistakes we’ve made and are trying to correct them. We highlight our achievements, which, at the end of the day, are also the achievements of the Greek people. Above all, however, we are looking ahead and working toward the future. The 200 years of national independence must be synonymous with national successes. This is not the time to turn the myth of Sisyphus into reality, and we will not do so. We will move forward with responsibility, seriousness, and true patriotism. Greece needs to move forward on the path of seriousness, credibility, Europe, and common sense. And only New Democracy can ensure this. We are moving forward with confidence; we are not playing games with our country,” said Mr. Hatzidakis.
Ahead of the parliamentary elections, he pointed out that New Democracy can champion the message of both stability and security and of change, while the opposition parties cannot support the message of change.
“If one looks at the opposition parties, one will see in some of them far-fetched theories, letters to Jesus Christ, and nonsense. One will see hostility, toxicity, and hatred, which, in any case, offer no solution to any young person seeking a future in this country.”
If you look at the field, you’ll see a cohesive team led by Kyriakos Mitsotakis and various others trying to form a team but unable to offer any alternative perspective,” he said pointedly.
At the same time, regarding New Democracy, he emphasized: “It is a party of major national choices. A party that, without pretending to be infallible—no matter how we look at it—has always been on the right side of history, from Konstantinos Karamanlis to Kyriakos Mitsotakis. And, without a doubt, today we all pledge together that we will stand united in the future as well. In the struggle for democracy, for freedom, for justice. For a modern, European Greece. Because these are the ideas that unite us and that take our country further forward and higher.”
Mr. Hatzidakis presented an assessment of the government’s work based on three pillars. Patriotism based on responsibility, not the commercialization of patriotism, not rhetoric intended solely for domestic consumption. On the European and digital modernization of the state. On fiscal discipline and an investment-friendly approach.
Regarding the problem of high prices , he said that it is real, the government is trying to address it and it is its duty to prioritize it, without ever giving in to populism and the false theories that are circulating.
“Magic formulas are for liars and political opportunists,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.
Regarding New Democracy’s program for the future, he emphasized that he will fight for a productive Greece, for society, with measures to support families, a large-scale social housing program, equal opportunities, and regional development. Regarding Macedonia and Thrace, he said that they are very high on the government’s list of priorities and that he will actively support their development.
