“The New Democracy has made it clear that its goal is the formation of a strong self-reliant Government”, clarifies in today’s interview with the “Parapolitika” newspaper the former government representative and Fthiotida MP candidate, Yiannis Oikonomou.

The following is the full interview of the Fthiotida MP candidate, Yiannis Oikonomou

– Where do you place the bar of success for New Democracy in the national elections? Self-reliance in the upcoming elections is practically unattainable.

We seek citizens’ trust in our plan for the Greece of tomorrow. With a presumption of reliability in our work and clear views on the way in which the Motherland should proceed. New Democracy has made it clear that its goal is the formation of a strong self-reliant Government. And this is because the major international challenges and the major stakes of Greece cannot be managed by cooperation governments. There is neither the appropriate political raw material, nor the necessary culture of cooperation. A coalition government – with the participation of parties that oppose the European and liberal orientation of the country, that are politically toxic or without a proposal for tomorrow – would be a nightmare for the Homeland and the citizens. Such a “cooperation” would lead to paralysis since it would require endless consultations and compromises in order to take small steps at a time when the challenges of our time require a steady course and quick reflexes.”

– Alexis Tsipras puts accuracy and inflation at the center of his criticism and commits to measures that will relieve households. What message are you sending to the citizens who are struggling because of the increased prices?

We have sent the message since the beginning of 2020, when the hurricane of structural international crises began. We support society with a mega program of around 50 billion, which has drastically helped to ease the international pressures in everyday life. Citizens have felt this support as a personal experience. Household electricity bills are the most emblematic evidence of this support. At the same time, we reduced taxes and increased the incomes of the most vulnerable. Finally, we implement a series of consumer support policies for a wide range of needs. We will continue like this, and stronger, as long as necessary. Our answers to society’s problems are always given in the present tense. They arise from the dividend of the development and progress achieved by the country and not from the left-over taxes. We have had our fill of words and promises, especially from SYRIZA. In politics, a dram of action costs as much as tons of theory, and Greek society knows this well.

– Almost two months have passed since the train accident in Tempe. Have the necessary steps been taken for the safety of rail transport? When will we have a completely modern and safe railway network?

“A lot has happened in the meantime and a lot more is planned to happen in the near future. The operation of the railway network, safely, has already started. Our Government has shown that it learns from unpleasant experiences and corrects decades-old weaknesses and problems, which the SYRIZA government tried to hide under the carpet.”

– Will there be a debate between Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Alexis Tsipras? Will you take the relevant initiative?

The possibility of debate in all its versions will be discussed in an institutional manner within the framework of the Inter-Party. Our intention is to contribute so that a meaningful dialogue can take place and not parallel monologues. But let’s not forget that the two political leaders have faced each other at Parliament level, in direct confrontation, during the last four years, for dozens of hours. Society has a powerful presumption to compare and judge: Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Alexis Tsipras ruled for four years. During this time, Kyriakos Mitsotakis produced a rich work and changed the level of Greece, in every field: nationally, economically, socially. Mr. Tsipras, during the time he ruled, plunged the country into an unnecessary huge memorandum and brought down both our country and the citizens in the international spotlight. The Prime Minister, based on his rich work, seeks direct comparison”.

– I want your comment on the Georgoulis case.

The case is in the Court. We all stand with respect for the bravery of this woman who came forward and reported. We are always with victims who break the silence, whether it is gender-based or domestic violence. SYRIZA has unfortunately in the past tried to politically cannibalize similar cases. SYRIZA bitterly understood that when we dig pits or when we end in toxicity in order to suffocate the opponent, the time of nemesis will come. Let them now consider how hypocritical and toxic their attitude was, when they tried to obtain party and political benefits from similar incidents.”

– Elections are held in Turkey in three weeks. Will Kemal Kilisdaroglu be a more reliable and friendly interlocutor for Greece than Tayyip Erdogan? Are you optimistic about the improvement of Greek-Turkish relations the next day, whoever is elected to the presidency?

Greece closely monitors the developments in its neighbor. But our policy has a dynamic and strategic depth that is independent of Turkey’s moves. We make the moves on the chessboard now, as a result of our international and defense policy.