Stavros Kalafatis, Deputy Minister of Development Stavros Kalafatis in his speech at the 16th conference of the ND emphasized the economic policy of the government and the strategyof growth of the country.
Speaking in the thematic section “Strong Economy – Strong Greece”, he stressed, among other things, that Greece, despite the successive crisis of recent years, has managed not only to endure but also to move forward with stability, plan and determination under the leadership of Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
The Deputy Minister of Development said that the government has created a new economic reality based on investment, entrepreneurship and the creation of new jobs, stressing that the aim is to ensure better prospects for all citizens and especially for the weakest.
He said that through reforms in public administration, in digital governance and in the economy, the state has become more efficient and more friendly to citizens and businesses. He also noted that growth had returned, unemployment was significantly reduced and the country regained its credibility as an investment destination.
Mr. Kalafatis also referred to innovation, research and technology, noting that for the first time in years Greece is systematically investing in the production of new knowledge and in linking universities with the labour market. He stressed that a new economy is being created that allows innovative ideas to be transformed into business and social progress.
He said that the government supported innovative businesses through Elevate Greece, created incentives for returning young scientists and boosted scientific personnel with 20,000 highly qualified positions. At the same time, he noted that investments of over 300 million euros have been made for new scientific infrastructure and modern equipment.
He also placed particular emphasis on the field of artificial intelligence, saying that Greece has already “taken a battle position” in the new knowledge economy. He said the government is building partnerships with international technology giants such as OpenAI, Mistral AI, Microsoft and Google, with the aim of new technologies to enhance the daily lives of citizens and the country’s development prospects.
The Deputy Minister of Development also referred to the creation of technology hubs and innovation ecosystems across the country, from Thessaloniki and Crete to Patras, Ioannina, Thrace and the islands.
In his speech, he also made special reference to Thessaloniki, noting that major projects such as the Metro, the Flyover, the redevelopment of Pavlos Melas Park, the Pediatric Hospital and the Holocaust Museum are progressing. He also stressed that government policies had contributed to the creation of 600,000 new jobs in recent years.
Referring to national issues, Kalafatis stressed that Greece had strengthened its international alliances, shielded its Armed Forces and strengthened its voice internationally, noting that the country had left no room for doubt.
Closing his speech, he stressed that the stakes of the 2027 elections were continuing stability, growth and reforms against – as he said – the risk of a return to uncertainty. He concluded by stressing that New Democracy, with unity and under the leadership of Kyriakos Mitsotakis, continues the course for “Greece 2030” with the central slogan “Strong Economy, Strong Greece”.
