Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis opened his weekly public address by acknowledging a deeply difficult week for the country, marked by two fatal incidents that claimed multiple lives. His remarks focused first on expressing solidarity with grieving families before turning to a broad review of government initiatives and developments.
A Week Overshadowed by Tragedy
The Prime Minister referred to two separate incidents: a fatal workplace explosion at a food production facility in central Greece and a deadly road accident involving Greek football supporters traveling abroad. He stressed that when lives are lost, public debate inevitably shifts in tone and priorities, placing human grief above political discussion.
Mitsotakis underlined that politics does not exist in isolation but unfolds within real life and its consequences, noting that policy discussions must always be approached with empathy during moments of national mourning.
Defense, Infrastructure and Strategic Projects
Among the government actions highlighted was the approval by the European Commission of Greece’s national defense plan, valued at €788 million, under a wider European security framework. The plan includes strategic programs focused on new technologies, unmanned systems, and secure communications, developed in cooperation with several European partners.
He also referred to major infrastructure projects underway on the island of Crete, including a new international airport and a long-awaited highway linking key urban centers. According to the Prime Minister, both projects are advancing steadily and are expected to significantly improve safety, connectivity, and economic activity.
Voting Rights, Housing and Public Health
Mitsotakis also addressed proposed legislation to expand postal voting rights for Greeks living abroad in future national elections, aiming to strengthen ties with the Greek diaspora and increase democratic participation.
On housing, he outlined new measures designed to encourage long-term rentals and regulate short-term leasing in specific urban areas, as part of a broader effort to address housing pressures.
In the field of public health, he highlighted the expansion of preventive screening programs, including a new initiative targeting kidney disease. He noted that millions of citizens have already benefited from national prevention programs focused on early detection of serious illnesses.
Employment, Social Policy and Public Safety
The Prime Minister reported that unemployment fell to 7.5 percent in December, the lowest level recorded in many years, and pointed to strong participation in nationwide employment initiatives connecting job seekers with employers.
He also addressed workplace safety, rejecting claims that Greece faces unusually high levels of industrial accidents, while emphasizing continued inspections and stricter enforcement of safety regulations.
Additional references included improvements to services for people with disabilities, a major international drug trafficking case disrupted by Greek authorities, and progress toward the construction of a national Holocaust museum in Thessaloniki, described as a project of memory, education, and historical responsibility.
Closing Message
Concluding his address, Mitsotakis reiterated that his thoughts remain with families who lost loved ones, stressing that no policy achievement can outweigh the value of human life. He wished citizens a better month ahead and reaffirmed his commitment to responsible governance amid both progress and hardship.
