ATHENS – [Photo: PM’S PRESS OFFICE/DIMITRIS PAPAMITSOS]
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis sent a clear message on foreign policy and the strengthening of the country’s deterrent capability from Kastellorizo in his customary Sunday post, stressing that the pursuit of stability in the region “in no way means concessions, nor tolerance of fait accompli.” He also announced that the central command-and-control software of the “Achilles Shield” will be Greek.
Referring to the recent trilateral meeting in Cairo, the prime minister stressed that Greece is pursuing an active foreign policy and closely monitoring developments in the wider region.
“Our country threatens no one. It seeks stability through functional relations based on international law. Stability in no way means concessions, nor tolerance of fait accompli,” he said.
Mitsotakis noted that this policy has produced tangible results, citing the agreements on exclusive economic zones (EEZs) with Italy and Egypt, maritime spatial planning, the extension of territorial waters in the Ionian Sea, as well as the acquisition of Rafale and Belharra fighter jets and the two Italian FREMM-class Bergamini frigates.
He placed particular emphasis on the “Achilles Shield”, stressing that the programme is now moving from planning to implementation following the signing of the relevant intergovernmental agreement with Israel. Mitsotakis said the Greek shield would take the country’s air defence “to another level”. He also noted that the central command-and-control software would be Greek and would be produced by the Greek companies participating in the programme.
From Kastellorizo, where he is attending the 83rd anniversary of the island’s liberation, Mitsotakis said a comprehensive plan would be presented to make the island “more resilient, more functional and more vibrant throughout the year”, while announcing a significant initiative to provide practical support to its residents.
The prime minister also referred to his visit to Ro, noting that it was a “minimal tribute” to Kyra of Ro, Despina Achladioti, who raised the Greek flag every morning for 40 years.
The €2.2 billion measures announced at the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF)
On the economy, Mitsotakis referred to the €2.2 billion measures announced at the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), stressing that they are being returned to society as a dividend from economic growth. He said the package includes tax and contribution reductions, increases in wages and pensions, incentives for businesses and investment, and measures for the younger generation, families, regions and housing.
He made particular reference to the special investment account for the younger generation. As he said, for every euro deposited by a parent after the birth of their child, the state will deposit another euro, up to a limit of €1,200.
Electricity: Target of 30% reduction in wholesale price
On energy, the Greek premier said a plan was announced at TIF for a gradual 30% reduction in the wholesale price of electricity by 2029, as well as a 50% reduction in public utility charges on household electricity bills from 2027.
He also noted that PPC’s fixed tariff for the following year is being reduced to €0.115 per kWh, with a fixed monthly charge of €3.5.
Changes in education
On education, Mitsotakis said that nearly 240 schools had been renovated in the second phase of the “Marietta Giannakou” programme, bringing the total to around 670 schools within two years. He noted that 5,259 new permanent teacher appointments had been made, along with 29,948 appointments of substitute teachers.
In the health sector, the prime minister referred to the incident involving a 53-year-old man who was saved at the Thessaloniki Metro using a defibrillator, highlighting the importance of installing 84 defibrillators at stations of the Athens and Thessaloniki Metro systems and training employees in their use.
At the same time, he noted that the “PROLAMVANO” programme is being expanded to include free dermatoscopy for the early detection of skin cancer.
The Greek premier also referred to the AENAON Metropolitan Park at Faliro Bay, noting that the project is entering its final phase following the signing of the construction contract.
He said it will include more than 4,000 trees, paths, cycle lanes, sports facilities, cultural spaces and playgrounds, while €370 million in European funds have been secured.
Projects in Thessaloniki
In Thessaloniki, Mitsotakis referred to the new Centre for Cellular and Gene Therapies at the “Georgios Papanikolaou” Hospital, which he described as the most modern haematology centre in Greece and the Balkans.
First Greek to take part in a crewed space mission
Concluding his post, the prime minister referred to Adrianos Golemis, who will become the first Greek to take part in a crewed space mission, PAM-6, to the International Space Station.
He noted that Greece already has 18 satellites in orbit and referred to HELLAS-SPACE 2.0 and the “Aristarchos” telescope on Mount Chelmos.
