Greece's Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis speaking to members of the media at the NATO summit in Washington, Wednesday, July 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
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PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis sent the message that we cannot rely only on the US for defense, in an interview with journalist Julia Chatterly of CNN
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, in an interview with CNN reporter Julia Chatterley emphasized that we actually need to spend smarter on defense, that at least 2% of GDP should go to defense spending, and maybe that’s not enough in a changing geopolitical landscape.
He added that after the war in Ukraine, the European countries must recognize that these expenses are necessary but also that beyond the national budget we must be able to talk about European defense where European money will be allocated. “We need to think seriously about the defense sector and have this discussion at the European level,” the prime minister said, referring to the proposal he has made with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk to create a common European anti-aircraft shield.
Asked to comment on the concerns expressed about Joe Biden, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis replied that what he can say is that the US president was present at the NATO summit, he had a good presence, he was positioned on critical issues and ultimately the US election is an issue which the American citizens will decide. As to whether he had any conversation with him he said that they had spoken, but that in a session like this there is obviously not enough time to say much with the host, who was however pleasant as always.
He said he was not in the room when the US president confused Ukrainian Prime Minister Zelensky with Putin, only to correct it immediately afterwards, but he understands the confusion over such incidents that can happen.
For Ukraine, the Prime Minister pointed out that it was clear in the context of the meeting that the country’s NATO integration path is “irreversible”, as is the support provided by the member countries, bilaterally and within the framework of the Alliance.
He also pointed out that it has become clear that the NATO alliance is stronger than ever, with 32 members and a commitment by more members to spend 2% of GDP on defense spending. He pointed out that Greece has allocated close to 3% of its GDP for years and is glad to see that other countries that did not keep their commitments are now doing so and are being consistent.
Regarding the rise of nationalist parties as happened in France and the difficulty this may bring to decision-making at the European level, Kyriakos Mitsotakis pointed out that centrist parties have a majority in the European Parliament, which is also confirmed by the election of Ursula von der Leyen for a new term in the European Commission and underlined that the fears of the rise of the extreme right at the European level may be exaggerated. He acknowledged at the same time that the reasons why citizens turn to such parties such as their concern about the rising cost of living, or immigration are there although the answers offered by these parties are simplistic and it is left to our own parties to offer convincing and real solutions to real problems.
Regarding tourism and whether Greece and the environment can “lift” their weight, the prime minister said that people who come to Greece have a good time, that’s why they come back, but it is our responsibility to ensure that our tourism industry is protected against of climate change and it is a priority to extend the tourist season so that not all tourists gather on our islands in July and August.
Greece does not have an overtourism problem, perhaps more people gather on certain islands during July and August and there is a commitment to strengthening the infrastructure so that all visitors can enjoy their holidays. We gather significant investments and these are used for the better development of our tourism industry.
Regarding the headlines in foreign media about the establishment of a “six-day work” in our country, the prime minister replied that in Greece there is no such issue and work is five days, while workers can work four days, adjusting their schedule. It clarified that in certain industries, which are limited and operate 24/7, the six-day work must be decided by agreement with the employee and significant additional pay
The working day in Greece is five days and this is not going to change, assured the prime minister, while the protection of workers’ rights is something that is taken very seriously.
On Another Hand: Marinakis Questions Why is Mr. Kasselakis Afraid That The Hoods Will Come Off, If The Justice Decides?
The supposed ‘new SYRIZA’ of Mr. Kasselakis with his answer today convinced even the most skeptics that nothing has changed, no matter how many years have passed,” the Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister and government representative, Pavlos Marinakis, said in a statement .
“With a provocative announcement, the official opposition party hastened to defend the protagonists of the darkest days for Justice and the rule of law in our country. At the time when the para-ministries of justice that operated in Maximos, as the Minister of Justice under SYRIZA Stavros Kontonis has cynically admitted , targeted political opponents with the sole purpose of exterminating them. Really, why is Mr. Kasselakis and his party afraid that the hoods will come out, if the Justice decides? The president of SYRIZA should answer us without hesitation because he is covering the protagonists of this unprecedented conspiracy, then the new shocking facts that have come to light”, concluded Mr. Marinakis in his announcement.
Answer SYRIZA
“Too much audacity for Mr. Mitsotakis to talk about hoods and cover-ups”, comments the SYRIZA PS in response to an announcement by the ND.
SYRIZA reports that the prime minister “still keeps the “hood” on those who orchestrated the wiretapping against politicians, journalists, businessmen and members of the armed forces, so that he can manipulate them (if not blackmail)” and “he did and still does to do everything to cover up the crime of Tempe.”Unmute
The official opposition states that “SYRIZA and its President, Stefanos Kasselakis, insist: everything is in the open! As the rule of law dictates and not as Mr. Samaras and his company are trying to impose, with Kyriakos Mitsotakis keeping quiet for reasons of internal party balance.”
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Source: RES-MPE
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