The prime minister drew the line with the opposition, touting growth, reforms, tourism and infrastructure with a 2030 horizon.
From Heraklion, Crete, Kyriakos Mitsotakis sent a strong political message with clear hints to the opposition, outlining the framework of the next political period through a comparison of two completely different approaches to the country’s future. In his speech at the pre-conference of the New Democracy, he emphasized the strategic planning for Greece for the next decade, the government’s reform agenda and the need for stability and growth prospects, contrasting this vision with what he called a policy of nihilism and regression. At the same time, he referred to critical issues of regional development, tourism and infrastructure, presenting Crete as a key example of the implementation of policies aimed at sustainable development and strengthening the economy in the long term.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis sent a message of political differentiation and comparison with the opposition, speaking at the pre-conference, emphasizing the dialogue on the real problems of citizens and planning for the future of the country.
A government that discusses the future
Referring to the preceding meeting in the Region of Crete on water scarcity where solutions to this major issue were sought, he said that the ruling party consciously chose a different path of political confrontation: “We put aside any competition and toxicity and discussed the problems of the country.”
The prime minister stressed that this stance constituted a clear political differentiation, noting the role of citizens in the final judgment. “It is a government that is discussing the future and you will judge it. On the other hand, we have an opposition that resets everything.”
In the same context, he described the main dividing line in the political scene, contrasting two different logics for the country’s course. “This is the dividing line: between a party that speaks with a plan for Greece in 2030 and another that wants to take us back to 1980.”
With his statement, Kyriakos Mitsotakis attempted to highlight the dilemma of the next period, focusing on stability, planning and perspective as opposed to what he said was a policy of nihilism.
The development prospects of small islands
Kyriakos Mitsotakis, speaking at the 4th pre-conference of New Democracy, highlighted the crucial role of local leadership in shaping the future of small islands, stressing that “it can make a big difference to their fate”.
During a discussion with the Mayor of Halki, the President of the Community of Fodele, a tour operator and a curator of Antiquities, the Prime Minister stressed that islandhood should not be treated piecemeal or only as a summer issue, but holistically, throughout the year. “If we want to turn it into an opportunity, we have to look at the needs of citizens not only in summer but also in winter,” he said.
Referring to the development prospects, he pointed out that the appropriate financial tools exist so that islands currently considered “barren lines” can be transformed into “fertile places” with sustainable economic activity and improved infrastructure.
Harnessing technology
He placed particular emphasis on harnessing technology, which he said offers significant potential for overcoming geographical constraints. In the same context, he thanked Hatziiiannou for the initiative to support doctors, acknowledging the importance of private contribution in supporting local communities.
Referring to developments in tourism and the strategic goal to expand it throughout the year, Kyriakos Mitsotakis spoke of “impressive progress” in recent years, noting that Crete is the “flagship” of Greek tourism development.
As he stressed, the available data confirm that the country is moving in the right direction, with particular emphasis on improving the quality of the tourism product. “For the first time we are seeing a big increase in the money spent by visitors, and this must be the basic direction of Greek tourism,” he said, underlining the importance of boosting per capita spending.
We are providing Crete with infrastructure for the next 50 years
In the same context, he reiterated that the target for 12-month tourism is not just a plan, but is already being implemented. He admitted, however, that so far the number of visitors who come with culture as their main motive remains limited, noting that this picture is gradually beginning to change.
He made a special reference to the prospects of Crete, estimating that “it will “inevitably become a leading player in 12-month tourism”, thanks to its comparative advantages and its dynamics. At the same time, he pointed out that the foundations of the tourism recovery were laid by the way the country managed the opening after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Prime Minister also referred to the international situation, noting that Greece is “on the right side of the geopolitical line” at a time when competitive destinations in the Middle East are facing significant challenges. Despite the difficulties, he stressed that “crises will always be in front of us, but the point is to be able to manage them effectively.”
“We are providing Crete with infrastructure for the next 50 years,” Kyriakos Mitsotakis also said, referring to the projects being implemented to boost tourism.
