Kyriakos Mitsotakis launched a fierce attack on Alexis Tsipras on the occasion of the presentation of his book Ithaca and the possibility that he might face him again in the 2027 national elections.

Speaking at the 36th Greek Economic Summit organized by the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce, the Prime Minister posed the question of whether someone could board a ship again after the captain had run it aground, and immediately added: “Reading the book, I see that he hurried to be the first to leave the ship, took all the lifeboats and life vests, and blamed the entire crew.”

Mr. Mitsotakis also emphasized that the main goal of New Democracy in the 2027 elections is a majority government and reiterated that political stability is one of the main reasons Greece is an attractive investment destination. “Someone may disagree with our policies, but no one can accuse us of doing anything other than what we said. The pre-election period is defined by the Constitution. It is too early to talk about the 2027 elections. I consider majority governments more effective and faster than coalition governments, and we will aim for a majority. In December 2022, many predicted that we would not have a majority, and the citizens proved them wrong.”

“As long as reforms yield results, we have the fiscal space to implement significant tax reductions, which in turn have developmental potential,” he stressed, reminding that between 2015-2018, Greece had one of the lowest growth rates.

Mr. Mitsotakis mentioned that the Recovery Fund offered significant developmental momentum and that the profits will then need to concern us.

He also referred to investments and their increase, stressing that the effort must continue, and said that the central goal from 2023 is wage growth.

In his opening remarks, the president of the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce, Giannis Sarakakis, emphasized that the state of the Greek economy today is much better than it was a few years ago.

Speaking about reforms and the “deep” state, Kyriakos Mitsotakis said that this battle is ongoing. “This war will be won, even if some battles are lost,” he stressed.

Among other things, the Prime Minister said that tomorrow at the Ministry of Justice he will present changes aimed at accelerating the administration of justice. The other reforms, those improving the business environment, are ongoing. “We are not thinking now about election planning or putting the brakes on reforms,” he underlined.

Mr. Mitsotakis said that he speaks now about Greece in 2030, which requires planning from now.

“The OPEKEPE reform was perhaps the most complex and difficult reform. We tried many times to address the problem… The situation reached a critical point. This reform has a short-term cost. I ask farmers and livestock breeders to show understanding. Ultimately, the money they will receive will be more. Every reform has a short-term cost and long-term benefit,” he said.

Greece in energy is transforming from a regional player to a leader

Asked about potential new areas of investment, Kyriakos Mitsotakis said that the Greek economy is more diversified than many believe.

Regarding tourism, the Prime Minister said that the country has the potential to become the most attractive destination in the world.

“There are many sectors where Greece has much to offer. In energy, it is transforming from a regional player to a leader. The agreements that have been signed—and I thank the ambassador—prove that Greece can play this role. Greece is a leader in renewables, energy storage projects, and natural gas storage as fuel, and now drilling begins, and then we can discuss a very different path for the Greek economy,” he stressed, while also referring to industry, the pharmaceutical industry, healthcare, education, agri-food, and technology.

“We have over 40 venture capitals in Greek startups. They create well-paid jobs and allow us to attract Greeks from abroad,” he emphasized.

“We have provided significant incentives. More people are returning than leaving. Currently, we estimate—data show—that on an annual basis more return than leave,” he stressed.

Mr. Mitsotakis said that Greece is also a top destination for retirees from abroad and wealthy people from abroad who want to settle in Greece.

“Productivity, extroversion, investment in quality, further wage increases. The country’s productive model has changed. We have already set it in motion, and we must persist on this path and move faster,” he added.

The relationship with the U.S. is strategic, with geopolitical, economic, and energy dimensions

“The European decision to reduce dependence on Russian natural gas is final and irreversible,” Kyriakos Mitsotakis stressed.

He reminded that in 2019 Greece decided to move away from lignite. “The country will need transitional fuel, and that is natural gas. It would be important not to import, but to produce our own. Greece wants natural gas, and we are building a strategic relationship with the U.S., which has both energy and geopolitical characteristics,” added the Prime Minister.

“The relationship with the U.S. is strategic, with geopolitical, economic, and energy impact, which our government and the Trump administration are willing to cultivate and further strengthen,” he underlined.

Greece seeks dialogue with Turkey without yielding on its positions

Kyriakos Mitsotakis noted that the fact that U.S. corporations are interested in research, possibly hydrocarbons, practically confirms Greek sovereign rights, which is significant.

“Hellenic-Turkish relations are autonomous. Greece seeks dialogue with Turkey without yielding on our positions,” he stressed, while regarding the delimitation of maritime zones and the continental shelf, he said this is a discussion concerning Greece and Turkey.

Political stability is among the main reasons Greece is an attractive investment destination

“Political stability is recognized as a prerequisite for economic prosperity, similar to other European countries,” Kyriakos Mitsotakis stressed.

“We have institutionalized political stability, and it is among the main reasons Greece is an attractive investment destination. Someone may disagree with our policies, but no one can accuse us of doing anything other than what we said. The pre-election period is defined by the Constitution. It is too early to talk about the 2027 elections. I consider majority governments more effective and faster than coalition governments, and we will aim for a majority. In December 2022, many predicted that we would not have a majority, and the citizens proved them wrong,” he said.

Asked to comment on the presentation of Alexis Tsipras’ book, Mr. Mitsotakis said:

“I hoped we would stick to agenda issues. I said a statement that I want to repeat and pose the question: Would you board a ship whose captain ran it aground once? Reading the book, I see that he hurried to be the first to leave the ship, took all the lifeboats and life vests, and blamed the entire crew.”