Adonis Georgiades gave his own response to the scenarios of tensions within the New Democracy, clarifying that the long meeting of the Parliamentary Group had nothing to do with a picture of division or conflict.

The Health Minister, speaking to SKAI, said the debate, which lasted about six hours, was substantive and democratic, while he paid special attention to the Prime Minister’s attitude.

“All the journalists expected that there would be a killing in the parliamentary group of New Democracy. Instead of there being a killing, there was 6.5 hours of an amazing democratic debate,” he said.

He then added: “I concede Mitsotakis, the prime minister stayed there for 6.5 hours. He listened to all his MPs and at the end he answered each one by name and personally. Nobody argued with anybody and now we want to make an image again to play that we supposedly had a fight.”

He also sought to tone down the tone on relations between ministers and officials, saying that in such processes it is normal for different views to be heard.

“There was no tension with ministers or anything. In a conversation everyone gives their opinion. I have nothing against any of my colleagues. I like the style of politicians who are more combative and who come into the fire, some others may like the stealthy and hidden ones more.”

In fact, Adonis Georgiades also sent a clear political message for the future, noting that the ruling party is now entering the election trail with the aim of another victory.

“New Democracy is entering the final straight for Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ third self-reliance. The major issue is how all ministers and all MPs and all executives will come out and showcase our great governmental work.”

The health minister cited the work at the Hellenic as an example, arguing that it was a result of the government’s policy of the last period.

“In the background I can see the tower of Elliniko. Yes, if Kyriakos Mitsotakis had not been elected and had not appointed me as Minister of Development and Investment and Nikos Patanasi, this tower you see would not exist. This tower exists because we are doing our job.

He also referred to changes in the health sector, citing as an example the availability of high-cost drugs from private pharmacies.

“Yesterday I went to a private pharmacy in Nea Erythraia where a fellow citizen with multiple sclerosis went for the first time to get his medication, not waiting two hours in line at the pharmacy of the EOPYY pharmacy, but getting it from the pharmacy next to his house, with which he has a partnership.”

Of particular interest were his references to the possibility of early elections. He initially responded humorously, avoiding giving a clear prediction.

“The last time I looked at my FEC I had no authority over elections. I write something about hospitals and health centres, what can I tell you.”

However, he immediately explained that the 2027 elections cannot take place in June because of the European Presidency.

“The 2027 elections will necessarily take place earlier. They would normally be held in June ’27. Because of the European Presidency, June ’27 cannot be held. So they will be earlier.”

Asked whether October is a possible scenario, Adonis Georgiades reiterated his well-known position on the period after the TIF.

“My general political position, I am not saying it now, I have said it for a long time, is that from the TIF onwards, there is no premature.”

He concluded by explaining why he considers the Thessaloniki International Fair a political milestone.

“And I put the TIF as a milestone for the following reason, because the Recovery Fund is basically coming to an end.