Greek government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis said support for families will be his top political priority, while also addressing the country’s demographic challenge, rising prices, New Democracy’s finances and water management during an interview with radio station Parapolitika FM 90.1.
Family Support as Political Priority
Speaking about the debate surrounding comments by Social Cohesion and Family Minister Domna Michailidou, Marinakis said that supporting families should remain a central focus of government policy.
He said that if he is trusted by voters and becomes a member of Parliament for New Democracy in Athens’ Northern Sector, family support will be at the top of his political agenda.
“The support of every family, every family,” Marinakis said, referring to families seeking to have children, families with one or more children, and larger families. He added that families should be “the absolute priority” of both society and the government.
Marinakis said the issue is also closely linked to Greece’s demographic situation, warning that the country faces a long-term challenge if current trends continue.
“Every year we lose a small city, and as the years pass we will lose a large city,” he said, arguing that the demographic issue is not only economic but also social.
He said the government has already introduced measures aimed at supporting families, including tax relief for large families and support for childcare services.
Debate Over Family Values
Marinakis said public officials should ensure that their messages encourage family support and help people who want to start families.
He also spoke in favor of what he called the “traditional family,” saying he missed the role of grandparents and communities that once helped raise children together.
“I don’t say we should go back years,” he said. “I say that the things from the past that shaped us should serve as examples in our homes, schools and in the way we think as a political system.”
He argued that such views should not be considered conservative but should instead be part of a broader political discussion.
New Democracy Finances and Party Debt
Marinakis also defended the financial management of the ruling New Democracy party under Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
He said the party is servicing its loans normally and that most of its obligations concern interest payments. He added that under Mitsotakis’ leadership, New Democracy has not taken out any new loans and has reduced operating costs, including through changes to its offices.
He also criticized the previous government led by SYRIZA, claiming that former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras left Greek taxpayers with debts exceeding €100 billion to €120 billion.
Government Rejects Water Privatization Claims
Addressing criticism from the opposition, Marinakis rejected claims that the government plans to privatize water services.
He described such accusations as “a joke and out of touch with reality,” saying the government is instead strengthening the public character of water management.
He said that 735 organizations currently manage water resources in Greece and noted that some areas still face insufficient water supply.
Marinakis also said there will be no increases in water prices and estimated that Greece will continue to have the cheapest water in Europe.
Inflation, Income and Housing Pressures
The government spokesman acknowledged that Greece is experiencing a prolonged period of inflationary pressure.
He said the government’s goal is for “income increases to be greater and more visible than price increases.”
To achieve this, he pointed to efforts against tax evasion, the redistribution of additional state revenues to support disposable income, continued market inspections and measures addressing housing challenges.
Conditions for Another Election Victory
Asked about the government’s prospects for winning another election, Marinakis said two conditions would be essential: effective governance and presenting a clear plan for why voters should again support New Democracy.
He said the government’s next steps would include presenting such a plan, beginning with the Thessaloniki International Fair.
