The four main pillars of the New Democracy are analyzed by the Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis in an interview with RealNews.
When asked, specifically, about the main goals for the upcoming four-year term, he replied: “New Democracy has proven that it can combine the demand for stability and security with the call for change. This is because we have effectively managed a series of difficult situations and crises, and also because—without claiming that we have done everything right— we are preparing a new set of modern and responsible proposals for the new era, for Greece in 2030. We are the party of continuous national renewal.”
He also notes that the New Democracy program will be based on the following four major pillars:
“First and foremost, a more productive economy, so that with the same or even fewer workers, we can produce more. And this will rely heavily on research and its connection to businesses, but also on broader technological modernization, with an emphasis on harnessing artificial intelligence, which is now a major economic challenge.
”Second, social policy will remain at the center of our agenda, because we do not grant anyone a monopoly on social sensitivity. In this context, emphasis will be placed on the institution of the family—and thus on addressing demographic and housing challenges—as well as on equal opportunities for all and regional development.
»Third, a state that is more modern, effective, and transparent in its operations, with trust in its institutions and genuine concern for the future of young people. Here, the Constitutional Revision offers us a great opportunity to correct flawed provisions and introduce new, modern regulations on a range of issues: from the constitutional provision for performance evaluations in the public sector and linking them to the abolition of tenure, to the fiscal clause, so that we cannot burden future generations with unchecked debt.
»Fourth, a strong Greece, with an even greater geopolitical, energy, and diplomatic presence. This involves not only further strengthening our Armed Forces, but also bolstering our energy, telecommunications, and other networks. In 2030, the country will mark the 200th anniversary of the founding of the modern Greek state. Our goal is to reach that milestone with a Greece that is stronger, more just, and more modern,” he concludes.
When asked whether the tours undertaken by the prime minister, the vice president, and other government officials signal early elections, he states: “The Prime Minister has never stopped touring the country and engaging with citizens. Similarly, this is part of my own role, rather than simply being shut away in an office and coordinating various projects. But consider this: Until now, we’ve been hearing that New Democracy is supposedly out of touch with society and in decline. Now that we’ve started our tours, those theories have been forgotten, and it’s becoming clear that New Democracy isn’t just doing well in the polls—it’s gaining much broader acceptance in society.”
And, as for the timing of the elections, “Kyriakos Mitsotakis has been absolutely clear in his statements that the elections will take place in the spring of 2027.”
Regarding the financial “package” for the Thessaloniki International Fair and whether it has been affected by the military conflict in the Persian Gulf, the Deputy Prime Minister acknowledges that “international developments always give rise to unpredictable developments and, to some extent, uncertainty,” but clarifies that “Greece in 2026 is not the Greece of 2019. It has growth rates higher than the European average, sound public finances, and significant additional revenue from curbing tax evasion. As for the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), it is still too early for specific figures. What I can say is that we will follow the same approach we have been taking since 2019: Supporting society within the limits of the economy’s capacity. With tax cuts for the middle class and businesses, as well as additional support for those who are truly in need. We will not engage in a race to the bottom with the opposition! However, whatever we promise, we will deliver,” he assures.
To be precise, he notes that it is “indeed the most significant problem facing citizens, and we do not underestimate it in the slightest. However, unlike those who try to convince us that this is solely a Greek phenomenon, we remind everyone that this is a problem that emerged throughout Europe following the pandemic and the war in Ukraine. And that is why, up to now, we have sought to address it using the same approach as other governments: Through wage and pension increases, emergency measures to support disposable income, inspections and the imposition of fines in cases where violations are found, and through initiatives to ensure transparency in price-setting. Our difference from the opposition is that we seek solutions that can be implemented in practice,” he emphasizes, adding:
“They usually limit themselves to facile accusations and impractical proposals. They’ve even gone so far as to criticize the PosoKanei app, which is a digital tool that gives citizens a clear picture of prices and how the market works. A tool that increases the accountability of both market actors and the government itself regarding price formation.”
Regarding indirect tax policy, he cites experience, which “has shown that reductions in indirect taxes do not reach consumers because they are absorbed by various intermediaries. Mr. Tsipras had also said this when he was Prime Minister, but it seems he has forgotten this statement of his. Furthermore, in Spain, for example, where they reduced the VAT on basic goods, not only did prices not fall, but they experienced inflation comparable to ours in Greece. On the contrary, reductions in direct taxes and social security contributions, or targeted subsidies, have a much more tangible impact on households, because they go directly into their pockets. And I believe that citizens understand this; they see that the Mitsotakis government is the one that has reduced or eliminated more taxes than any other government: 83 in total!».
Regarding post-election scenarios, K. Hatzidakis highlights what he describes as the New Democracy party’s clear position: “We believe in single-party governments because, as has been shown in practice, coalition governments cannot function as effectively in Greece. Beyond that, however, reality itself provides the answers: PASOK has ruled out any prospect of cooperation with New Democracy. The other opposition parties have no intention of cooperating even with one another. Therefore, this discussion is headed for a dead end before it even begins, thus reinforcing our argument for a majority government.”
And he asks: “Is there anyone who doubts that there must be a government in place the day after the elections? Is there anyone who doubts that if the country is plunged into instability, the national achievements of recent years will be jeopardized? “That is why I believe that as we get closer to the elections, it will become even clearer that a New Democracy majority is the safest choice for the country,” he points out.
Regarding the political plans of former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, he adds: “I respect Antonis Samaras, in whose government I served as a minister. I believe that, if he ultimately goes ahead with such a move, it will cause some damage to New Democracy, to Mr. Velopoulos’s party, and to Ms. Latinopoulou’s party. And it will undermine his political legacy. Personally, I believe in the great New Democracy, but at the same time I believe in European reforms. Because it’s not enough for a party to be large; steady steps forward must be taken for the country. Both economically and in foreign policy, Greece is in a better position than it was in 2019.”
The interview concludes with non-performing loans, a topic on which he states that “over the past 7 years, non-performing loans at banks have been reduced from 44% to 3–4%. Meanwhile, total non-performing loans, across banks and servicers, have been reduced from 93 billion euros to 68 billion euros. This was achieved thanks to government initiatives and, in particular, the out-of-court settlement mechanism. Under SYRIZA, it was a tool that did not work in practice. Our government, with me serving as Minister of Finance at the time, introduced a series of improvements, resulting in debt restructuring agreements totaling nearly 20 billion euros. Today, the out-of-court mechanism is mandatory not only for vulnerable groups but also for the middle class.”
And, most recently, “the initiative regarding the Katseli Law, in compliance with the Supreme Court’s ruling, is yet another step in this direction. We do not speak through proclamations, but through responsible policy, without granting anyone a monopoly on social sensitivity,” he concludes.
