The last pre-conference of the New Democracy is taking place in Thessaloniki, in the presence of the Prime Minister and party president Kyriakos Mitsotakis, with the main theme “Strong Greece” and focus on national issues, security and economic development.

“It is no coincidence that we chose our sixth pre-conference here in Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki will be the starting point for our new effort for a strong Greece of 2030. It is no coincidence that this is happening today on Europe Day. The party founded by the national leader Constantine Karamanlis is at the forefront of the common defence in the European Union, the immigration policy based on Greek positions, energy. Here in the North, words and inexpensive promises abounded. I will speak with actions and tangible results that upgrade the role of defence, diplomacy and energy policy in a situation full of uncertainties,” Prime Minister and President of the New Democracy (ND) Kyriakos Mitsotakis said at the beginning of his speech at the 16th Ordinary Congress of the New Democracy. “Today we are living in a situation full of uncertainties. In a reality that resembles quicksand, Greece is shielding itself defensively and progressing socially. The country walks confidently forward serving a collective vision,” he stressed.

The Kyriakos Mitsotakis stands particularly on the issues of Defence, diplomacy and energy policy, stressing:

“Here in the North we have had enough of words and inexpensive promises – I will speak with actions and tangible results that elevate the role of defence, diplomacy and energy policy in a context of uncertainty.”

He concluded his statement by saying: “We are living in a juncture full of uncertainties. The three fields: Defence, Foreign Policy and Energy are now becoming existential necessities for every country.”

The Prime Minister also notes that: “In a reality that resembles quicksand, Greece is shielded as never before in terms of defence, geopolitically advanced and economically developed.”

He also makes a special reference to the country’s arms programmes, saying: “The country is marching confidently ahead. Patriotism is the Rafale, the upgraded F-16s, being able to proudly visit the frigate Kimon, the most modern ship in Europe, the first of a total of four Belharra. A jewel frigate for the Navy.”

Kyriakos Mitsotakis: Calm waters mean free waters

Kyriakos Mitsotakis spoke about Turkey’s claims, without naming it, saying that “calm waters” mean free waters where international law prevails. “Calm waters mean free waters where international law prevails and waters that will always remain blue and peaceful, in the colours of our flag and our sovereign rights. With this policy Greece is growing,” he stressed specifically on Greek-Turkish relations and criticism of “calm waters”.

“For us, the Evros fence is a symbol of sovereignty, we do not want any permission to guard our land. The Evros fence is proceeding normally. For those who spread fake news about supposedly dead Marias: we won’t do you the favour of returning to the time when the seas had no borders and on land you were building Morias and Eidomenes. Greece will never again become a dry vineyard with a New Democracy government,” he continued.

“As long as some people envision a return to the catastrophic 2015, the New Democracy will design the Greece of 2030.” “Today we are fulfilling an intergenerational contract on the public debt. It is being reduced at the fastest pace in the EU, so that our children do not suffer what our generation has suffered,” he said. Mitsotakis continued: “We are doing everything we can to support the Greek family against the punctuality, but I will not promise you things that cannot be done. When some people envision a return to the disastrous 2015, ND is planning the promising 2030”.

The pre-conference of the New Democracy in Thessaloniki concludes the cycle of regional party events, with the government attempting to highlight its political and geopolitical narrative for the next period.