Mitsotakis Rules Out Autumn Elections, Pledges Continued Focus on Reforms and Income Support

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis dismissed speculation about an early election during a televised interview with OPEN TV, stressing that the government remains fully committed to completing its four-year mandate and that the delivery of major infrastructure projects is unrelated to the electoral timetable.

"The government is implementing a four-year program based on the mandate it received from the Greek people. We are launching and delivering major infrastructure projects that have absolutely nothing to do with the timing of the next elections," Mitsotakis said.

He also emphasized that New Democracy has been working continuously since the last national election.

"For us, the election campaign began the day after the previous elections," the Prime Minister remarked, arguing that voters will judge the government on its consistency and effectiveness throughout its entire term in office.

Fiscal Discipline Remains a Priority

Mitsotakis reiterated that Greece must continue to respect its fiscal limits, noting that government spending remains subject to strict budgetary rules.

Commenting on opposition proposals to restore a 13th monthly pension payment, he criticized what he described as unrealistic promises, directing particular criticism at PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis.

"It would be very easy for Mr. Androulakis to ask the General Accounting Office of the State," Mitsotakis said, adding that the opposition leader "is promising measures that cannot be implemented."

"Supporting Household Incomes Is Our Top Priority"

The Prime Minister acknowledged that the high cost of living continues to place significant pressure on Greek households.

"Inflation remains a major challenge for Greek families," he said, admitting that government wage increases and tax cuts have been largely offset by rising consumer prices.

"The salary increases and tax reductions we introduced have indeed been absorbed to a large extent by higher prices. That is why strengthening disposable incomes remains our top priority."

He added that the government aims to maintain fiscal surpluses in order to continue supporting vulnerable citizens.

"We are creating budget surpluses so that we can support the most vulnerable. We will allocate every euro that is available within our fiscal capacity."

Targeted Support Instead of VAT Cuts

Addressing calls for a reduction in Value Added Tax (VAT), Mitsotakis argued that such a measure would benefit all consumers regardless of income and would therefore be less effective than targeted assistance.

"A VAT reduction benefits both wealthy citizens and those who are genuinely in need. I prefer to provide targeted support to those who need it the most."

The Prime Minister also referred to Spain's experience, arguing that a similar VAT reduction had eventually been reversed after creating a significant gap in public revenues.

"Spain tried reducing VAT but later reversed the measure because it created a hole in public finances," he said.

Housing Supply Is the Core Challenge

Mitsotakis also addressed Greece's housing crisis, arguing that the country's main problem lies in the limited supply of rental housing rather than home ownership.

"The issue is not property ownership but access to rental housing. Homeowners have benefited from our policies, while tenants are facing a structural problem caused by insufficient housing supply."

He acknowledged that further work is needed to improve housing availability and make renting more affordable.

"We still have considerable work ahead of us to address Greece's housing challenge," the Prime Minister concluded.

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