Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis delivered his weekly address on Sunday, emphasizing the government’s focus on infrastructure development, healthcare improvements, pension reforms, and environmental protection.
Infrastructure and Transport Advances
Mitsotakis began by underscoring investments in infrastructure since 2019, describing projects as more impactful than words. He spotlighted the triple junction at Skaramagas in Western Attica, a project set for completion in 36 months. The development will complete the regional road network, ease traffic across the Athens basin, boost Piraeus Port, and support the Aspropyrgos area. He praised Attica Regional Governor Nikos Hardalias for securing national funding.
Outside Attica, the government recently delivered the Rovies–Ilias road section in northern Evia, improving safety and accessibility after years of landslides and detours. The project was funded by the Recovery Fund.
Healthcare and Local Support in Evia
In northern Evia, Mitsotakis noted the upgrade of the Istiaia Health Center, part of 110 nationwide renovations. The center now includes a new hemodialysis unit with six machines, reducing the need for patients to travel to Chalkida. It employs 65 staff (37 hired since 2021) and is supported by mobile units and a 24-hour floating ambulance at Oreoi port. He highlighted ongoing post-fire and post-Daniel restoration efforts in the region.
Pension and Debt Relief Reforms
The Prime Minister discussed pending legislation on occupational insurance, aiming to expand coverage, especially for small and medium enterprises. Greece lags behind OECD averages in this area, with current assets below 1% of GDP versus nearly 50% in mature systems. Key measures include open occupational funds, 100% tax-deductible contributions, and full portability of rights.
New debt settlement measures for obligations to AADE, EFKA, and financial institutions were activated, offering up to 72 installments for debts up to December 31, 2023. The out-of-court mechanism now covers debts from €5,000. Over 64,400 successful primary residence protections have been achieved, totaling €19.67 billion in original debts.
Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption
Mitsotakis welcomed the European Commission’s latest Rule of Law Report, noting Greece’s steady progress — recommendations reduced from seven in 2020 to four this year. He rejected opposition criticism, citing objective EU benchmarks, while announcing further reforms including constitutional changes to strengthen judicial independence, journalist protections, and anti-corruption tools.
He defended the presumption of innocence in cases involving New Democracy officials investigated by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office over OPEKEPE, noting nine of 13 cases were archived. The government continues pursuing agricultural subsidy fraud, with prosecutions against over 2,900 individuals.
Environmental and Marine Protection
Significant steps include the Presidential Decree for the South Aegean Marine Park in the Southern Cyclades, soon to be followed by the Ionian Marine Park. Together, they will protect 35% of Greece’s marine areas ahead of the 2030 EU target. New patrol vessels, including the Recovery Fund-funded “Syrna,” and 300 new staff will support enforcement.
A major water management reform is under consultation to address fragmentation among 735+ entities, aiming for more efficient public water services amid climate challenges.
Post-2023 Dadia fire restoration continues with an €86 million program, including anti-erosion works, reforestation (over 54,000 seedlings planted), and a new Raptor Bird Observatory.
Education, Digital Innovation, and Culture
Universities will benefit from a €160 million donation by systemic banks for historic buildings, plus new student dorms and programs. Aristotle University of Thessaloniki became the first public university to implement electronic tablet-based exams across multiple departments.
The new “Evmaios” platform improves cultural site accessibility for people with disabilities and other mobility challenges, covering 120 sites so far.
Digital services on Gov.gr Wallet now include the Greek passport for identification and domestic travel.
Sports Venues and Culture
Systematic seismic checks on 2,500 sports facilities have been completed, with more inspections planned. Safety upgrades are funded by the Recovery Fund.
In Lesvos, four cultural projects were inaugurated, including restorations at Mytilene Castle, Agios Therapon Church, the Resin Museum, and the Gateluzzi Tower, supported by Recovery Fund resources.
Mitsotakis paid tribute to actress and former MP Maro Kontou, who passed away recently.
He concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to continued work with planning and consistency.
The full address reflects the administration’s ongoing narrative of tangible progress across multiple policy areas ahead of future political challenges.