Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has weighed in on speculation about potential new political parties, cabinet changes and the broader political climate, during an interview that combined policy discussion with personal reflections.
Asked about reports that former prime minister Alexis Tsipras or Maria Karystianou could launch new political parties, Mitsotakis said it was premature to assess expectations without knowing their political platforms. He stressed that announcing the intention to form a party and actually doing so are very different things, adding that such decisions are neither simple nor taken lightly.
He declined to comment on past remarks about Tsipras, noting that democracy allows anyone to be judged by voters. Mitsotakis said he does not lose sleep over political developments he cannot control or influence.
On the possibility of a cabinet reshuffle, the prime minister was clear that no such move is currently planned. He pointed out that changes were made relatively recently and reiterated his preference for stability over frequent reshuffles, saying adjustments are made only when they best serve the government’s needs at a given time.
Farmer Protests
The interview also touched on ongoing farmers’ protests, with Mitsotakis arguing that some demonstrators seek dialogue while others pressure them to maintain a hard line. He called again for talks, saying prolonged disruption ultimately weakens public support for the protesters’ cause.
World Crisis
Addressing the international environment, Mitsotakis described a world marked by growing uncertainty. While he said there is no reason for panic over the prospect of war in Europe, he emphasized that Greece must remain prepared to manage any crisis. He underlined continued investment in the country’s armed forces, arguing that strengthening defense capabilities is an investment in peace, democracy and stability.
The prime minister also spoke about climate-related challenges, recalling sleepless nights during wildfire emergencies and noting that while progress has been made, the fight against the climate crisis is ongoing and requires constant improvement.
Elections
Looking ahead to elections expected in 2027, Mitsotakis said his focus remains on implementing reforms rather than campaigning. He argued that voters will ultimately judge whether the country is moving forward and whether their quality of life has improved, despite ongoing economic pressures.
Reflecting on his party, New Democracy, he said it has evolved over the past decade while remaining a central, center-right political force. He stressed the importance of managing internal disagreements and maintaining unity.
In a lighter moment, when asked which political rival he would choose to have a beer with, Mitsotakis named PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis, saying personal interaction could sometimes ease the intensity of political confrontation.