Ruling New Democracy (ND) party opened its congress on Thursday afternoon with the center-right party placing the upcoming electoral season at the centre of proceedings and framing sessions as a political launchpad for a potential third consecutive term in office.
Prime Minister and party leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis delivered the keynote address, presenting a broad political and governmental review of the party’s two terms in power while linking past reforms to what he described as a strategic roadmap toward Greece in 2030. His intervention comes as the government seeks to consolidate its political dominance amid ongoing debates over cost-of-living pressures, institutional reforms, and regional geopolitical uncertainty.
In opening the congress, organizational committee chair Thodoris Rousopoulos highlighted the party’s historical continuity and political identity.
In his address, Mitsotakis called on party cadres to reflect on the country’s trajectory over the past decade, contrasting the period of financial crisis with what he described as Greece’s recovery and international re-positioning. He pointed to economic growth, declining unemployment, tax cuts, wage increases, and improved credit ratings as evidence of policy success, while acknowledging persistent inflationary pressures that continue to erode household incomes.
Mitsotakis also stressed defense modernization and Greece’s geopolitical role in a period of heightened regional instability, including energy competition and maritime disputes in the eastern Mediterranean — issues that have remained central in recent coverage by Greek media, particularly in relation to Turkey’s strategic positioning and shifting regional dynamics.
Mitsotakis further underlined digital governance reforms, education policy changes, and public sector modernization, citing initiatives such as gov.gr, upgrades to healthcare and universities, and increased investment in infrastructure. He also referred to Greece’s emerging role in artificial intelligence policy development and energy exploration plans.
Framing the congress as part of a broader political continuum, Mitsotakis said the party’s governing philosophy had evolved into a “contract of effectiveness” with voters, arguing that New Democracy had expanded its electoral base and maintained political dominance through successive victories.
The three-day congress will continue with thematic panels, including a scheduled discussion on artificial intelligence on Saturday. Mitsotakis is also expected to close the proceedings on Sunday.
