With a particularly warm welcome, he took to the podium at the 16th Conference of the New Democracy the Minister of National Defence, Nikos Dendias.
Starting his speech, the minister appeared visibly moved by the presence of the people in the hall, saying, “To tell you the truth, I did not expect such a full hall at this time of lunch, thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Nikos Dendias: “The New Democracy was not created for the possession of power”
The Nikos Dendias paid special attention to the historical path of the party, stressing that the New Democracy must evolve without losing its core values.
As he said: “We have gone through many battles always honouring the same blue jersey, with the ethos imposed by our history ,and the style imposed by our tradition.”
Then he added: “Everything around us is evolving. At the same time we are struggling to keep our values. It was not created to become a professional power organisation. It does not have in its constitution the possession of power.”
He particularly emphasized the popular character of the party, stressing that the government must be close to society and especially to the weakest.
“For us, governance is about serving the many. The Southwest is not entrenched, not trapped in dilemmas of right and left. We stand by all social groups, by the vulnerable. The real people’s party. We must not give up our popular character. Our genetic material does not contain extractivism. It does not believe in the enclosed chancelleries of technocrats.”
Meanwhile, the Defence Minister noted: “Power is exercised in the name of the people and not in the name of an abject technocratic truth. It does not suffer from moral colorblindness.”
Self-criticism, polls and a message to the cadres
Nikos Dendias also referred to the need for self-criticism within the party, noting that conferences cannot function as a process of complacent confirmation.
“I am glad that I do not become a clone of other perceptions. Liberal factions know self-criticism. Conventions are not recitations of diatribes. Incarceration easily evolves into governmental institutionalism. We have to listen to our cadres because their votes keep us ministers.”
He was particularly impressed by his reference to the government’s electoral and poll ratings, arguing that comparisons with political opponents are not enough.
“Viewing the poll picture as the difference between second and third is not correct. They are far from big wins. We lost about 55% of our electoral strength. 1 in 2 citizens who voted for us in May 2023 sent us a clear message, asked for better, more effective. Citizens expect us to change the country, otherwise we risk being changed by them.”
“Let’s get away from the logic of the subsidy policy”
The Minister of National Defence also referred to the reforms, noting that greater connection between the government and society and clear political discourse are needed.
“Let’s get away from the logic that subsidy policy improves the lives of citizens.” While adding: “Reforms require us to strengthen our relations with society, to explain our proposals honestly but clearly.”
Concluding the political part of his statement, he reiterated the symbolic message of the “blue jersey”, saying: “We are all of us together who love the blue that does not change, the blue that does not fade.”
Message on the Armed Forces and threats from the East
The Nikos Dendias also devoted a significant part of his speech to the Armed Forces, underlining that the country is moving towards a deep modernisation of its defence structure.
“We are changing everything, bringing the Armed Forces into the 21st century. The brazen threat from the East is forcing it upon us. They are ten times bigger than us. I always answer them with calmness but also with fierceness.” At the same time, he stressed the importance of defence as a strategic choice for the country, stressing: “We see defence as an investment in security.”
