Kyriakos Mitsotakis analyzes the account of a difficult 2023 and the plan for 2024 that will be a reality in a few hours in his message for the new year.

The prime minister particularly referred to the major issue of accuracy, stressing that “only higher wages are a radical solution. With permanent measures, which will apply even after the temporary shocks”.

The message of Kyriakos Mitsotakis in more detail:

“In a little while we will leave behind 2023, the trials and also the national conquests. And we welcome 2024, of hopes and new claims. Because, despite the great difficulties, the past year was crucial: it brought Greece to the investment level, to the first positions of development, with unemployment decreasing and citizens’ income being supported and fortified against the imported precision.

The new year thus becomes the epilogue of a cycle with moments that once hurt us. At the same time, however, it also becomes a prelude to another era. With better wages, with higher pensions, already from the first weeks of the new year. In a country whose borders are shielded and defense forces are armed. While the national voice can now be heard resoundingly on the diplomatic and geopolitical fronts.

All this does not constitute a simple account, but a tangible truth, which embodies the great abilities of our Nation. Based on the trust between government and citizens, which was sealed by the national elections, but also on a well-thought-out plan, which day by day will upgrade daily life, converging towards the European reality.

The challenges of the times, after all, are here: upheavals on the world map, climate crisis, fears of economic recession in many countries and data that may be shaken in the upcoming electoral contests in Europe and America. Uncharted waters, in which Greece is called upon to chart its own national aspirations. First, more directly, dealing with punctuality, which still makes it difficult for households.

The state, however, is and will be on their side. In December alone, more than 700 million euros were targeted aid. There are now permanent price reductions. And, at the same time, controls and high fines fight against profiteering. Because a collective difficulty cannot become an opportunity for unscrupulous speculation.

I insist, however, that only higher wages are a radical solution. With permanent measures, which will apply even after the temporary upheavals. And the goal, as I have said, is for the average salary to be at 1,500 euros and the minimum salary at 950 euros in 2027. With increases to 660,000 civil servants and to almost 2 million pensioners – without, in fact, the withholding of 30% for those who choose to work. Also, the unfreezing of the three years and, of course, the fourth consecutive increase in the minimum wage, in April.

Initiatives next to important reforms in Health, Education and the State. More recent are the new salary increases in the NHS, the renovation program of many hospitals and health centers and the expansion of free preventive examinations for all.

In education, again, a new law gives new impetus to the public university. But also the opportunity for our young people to study here instead of abroad, in non-state, non-profit institutions. The digital Government will continue to serve every citizen’s need: from communication and electronic service to civil protection and urban planning. With competent administrations, which will now be judged strictly for their performance.

As our strategic goal is multi-dimensional modernization, I am well aware that we have to contend with entrenched pathologies and bureaucratic entanglement. With inaction and guild fraternity. Or the underestimation of environmental risks and the problem of slow justice.

That is why a rapid wave of changes is required. Which will certainly upset some, but will ultimately favor many.

I do not deny either the resistances of yesterday or the possible failures of tomorrow. But we will not submit to them. Our compass will always be the verb “try”. On the path of development that magnifies public wealth, with the aim of returning it to society, so that collective well-being becomes an individual priority. In a fair and proud homeland, which will ward off enemies and win new friends.

But also in a democracy that will celebrate its 50th anniversary stronger than ever. Turning the spring European elections into a confirmation step of political stability and progress. And strengthening a profound European policy, which has proven to bring resources and radiance to the country. Because we are Europe and we deserve to be Europe at all levels.

At the “threshold” of the new year, therefore, we do not forget the many things that have been done, so that we identify the most things that need to be done. And as the hard times seem to pass, we can be more optimistic. It is up to us to make the next few days better than the last. We just need to be united, mature and determined.

Happy Birthday! Happy New Year! Health and strength to all!