Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has pledged to introduce further tax cuts for the middle class during his upcoming address at the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) in September, reaffirming his government’s commitment to its reform agenda while dismissing speculation of early elections or changes to the electoral law.
In an interview with Proto Thema, Mr. Mitsotakis emphasized his administration’s track record of fulfilling promises, citing recent relief measures such as annual rent rebates and a €250 bonus for low-income pensioners.
He firmly ruled out any revision of the electoral law, saying, “I am not discussing a change to the electoral system.”
The Prime Minister also reiterated his intention to lead the New Democracy party into a third term, asserting that the party “can claim a parliamentary majority” in future elections.
No Early Elections, Full Four-Year Term
Mr. Mitsotakis dismissed any notion of calling early elections, insisting his government will serve its full four-year term.
“Our program is one of a four-year duration,” he said. “I truly believe 2025 will be better than 2024, 2026 better than 2025, and so on. That’s all the more reason to honor my pledge for elections at the end of the term.”
Regarding tax policy, Mr. Mitsotakis confirmed that his TIF address will focus on reducing the tax burden on the middle class.
He described recently announced support measures as permanent and the result of necessary reforms. “These reforms often provoke political backlash at first, but their benefits tend to appear later,” he said. “Now those benefits have materialized, allowing us to return more than €1 billion to specific social groups.”
Regarding rent subsidies, the prime minister emphasized the need to combat the shadow economy in the housing market.
“Just as we've curbed tax evasion through linking POS systems to cash registers and expanding digital payments, we aim to do the same in the real estate sector,” he said.
On the diplomatic front, Mr. Mitsotakis confirmed plans to visit Ankara “in due course” and reiterated his preference for calm, responsible diplomacy with Turkey.
“I’m not looking for a fight. Greece has always conducted its foreign policy with responsibility and consistency, and we’re now stronger and more influential because of it.”
He also confirmed that the Greece-Cyprus-Israel electricity interconnection project, known as the "EuroAsia Interconnector," will proceed as a European strategic initiative.
Addressing Greece-U.S. relations, Mr. Mitsotakis described the strategic partnership as “excellent” and expressed hope for future progress in trade talks. Although no meeting is currently scheduled with U.S. President Donald Trump, Mr. Mitsotakis said he remains committed to pursuing a mutually beneficial trade deal.
“No one wins in a trade war, especially one of this magnitude,” he added.
Turning to domestic issues, Mr. Mitsotakis acknowledged the need for accelerated reforms in Greece’s railway system following the Tempi train crash.
He pledged “drastic changes” in the operation of the Hellenic Railways Organization (OSE), including greater flexibility, accountability, and the use of modern technology, to be outlined in an upcoming Cabinet meeting.
Mr. Mitsotakis also criticized opposition leaders, dismissing Plefsi Eleftherias leader Zoe Konstantopoulou as “a new female Varoufakis” and labeling Pasok leader Nikos Androulakis as her “appendage.”
Mr. Mitsotakis concluded by asserting that continued economic growth will ensure improved conditions for all Greeks, stating that “the stronger the economy, the more the Greek people will benefit.”