“No one is allowed to be left out of our social contract. Nations derive their strength from unity, not from exclusion and introversion”: this is the message she sends, through her statement on the arrival of the new year, the President of the Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou. With references to the major international (Ukraine, Middle East), but also domestic events of 2023 (train accident in Tempe, fires, floods, fan violence), he evaluates the reform of the state and its more efficient operation as “our big bet”. While for the Greek-Turkish, he notes with emphasis that “we consistently invest in a good and constructive climate, which will allow the deepening of cooperation and the avoidance of tensions”.

The entire message of the President of the Republic for the new year is as follows:

“My dear countrymen,

2023 was a critical year for our country and the world. Dense in important events, as we move through the era of crises and upheavals, in a fluid international environment. The war conflicts in our wider region, in Ukraine and the Middle East, show how fragile geopolitical balances are and highlight the responsibility of our country to be a factor of peace and stability. To choose the right side of history, respecting law and morality. Greece practically expressed its undivided support to the Ukrainian people, against the illegal Russian invasion. He condemned the inhumane attacks on Israel and took initiatives to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, separating terrorists from the Palestinian people and their demands. In our relations with Turkey, we consistently invest in a good and constructive climate, which will allow the deepening of cooperation and the avoidance of tensions.

We experienced, however, this year, painful moments at home. The Tempe tragedy deeply hurt and angered us. The fires in Rhodes and Evros, as well as the floods in Volos and the Thessalian plain, showed us the harsh and painful side of the climate crisis. The sad incidents of fan violence, with young people as victims, are symptoms of chronic pathologies that are not consistent with our culture and the image we want for our country. Today, while Greece secures its fiscal space and has valuable development tools, as an equal member of the European Union, the reform of the State and its more efficient operation is our big bet. There is no longer any postponement in the battle with the evil side of ourselves and in the consolidation of a new paradigm. With an emphasis on the principle of prevention and the prevention of modern threats and risks. Citizens’ security and trust are the foundation of coexistence and social cohesion. So is the fight against inequalities, the care of the middle classes and vulnerable groups, in conditions of high global competition and precision that undermine the standard of living. Our concern must be inclusion, the recognition of the different, adherence to the ideal of an open, pluralistic and at the same time fair society. No one is allowed to be left out of our social contract. Nations derive their strength from unity, not from exclusion and introversion.

my countrymen,

2024 marks fifty years since the restoration of democracy. In this half century, the Greeks achieved a lot, progressed, consolidated democratic and liberal institutions. The Greek identity flourished within the European one. We overcame, despite the heavy price, even the most existential difficulties, the economic crisis and immediately after the pandemic. And this is because we remained steadfast in the fundamental values, which go back to the deep roots of our people. We have confirmed our position among our partners, one that befits our history and makes us proud in the developed world. But this position is not static, nor unchanging. Faced with the challenges and radical changes of our time, just like individuals, so states and societies are called to adapt, to reinvent themselves. Protecting their achievements and leaving behind their most resistant pathologies and weaknesses. Boldly and prudently exploiting the inexhaustible technical possibilities and freedoms of our time.

I wish everyone a happy new year, with prosperity and happiness.”