ND MP Takis Theodorikakos spoke about the crisis in the Middle East and the European elections on the “Today” show of SKAI.

Mr. Theodorikakos, referring to the crisis in the Middle East, repeated the government’s condemnation of Iran’s attack on Israel while speaking of restraint on both sides to prevent further escalation.

Asked about the risks inherent in a possible extension of the conflict, Mr. Theodorikakos stated that there are serious risks at all levels but also in the economic sector as he said “if this confrontation expands, the risks related to energy materials are multiple and they will make the situation even more difficult on the accuracy front.”

Answering a question about the opposition’s criticism ahead of the European elections, the former minister said that “the Greek people voted ten months ago and have given a four-year mandate and we should learn to respect their institutions. Talking to the citizens, I see fatigue from the successive electoral contests with a very serious risk of abstention, and the citizens who will elect their representatives in Europe should participate.”

“We call on the citizens to support the ND as it has played a very important role in bringing significant funds from the Recovery Fund,” he added.

At the same time, Mr. Theodorikakos, speaking about the postal vote and the participation of expatriates in the electoral process, said “the postal vote is a conquest as all Greeks from abroad can vote. I’ve talked to thousands of expats in Canada and they didn’t know this option existed. The campaign alone is not enough, personal communication is needed. We’re doing this and we’re doing it, I’m also going to Germany and London and Paris.”

Asked to answer whether there is dissatisfaction in society with the government’s work, the ND MP noted that “I see that there are serious problems in society and the government’s job is to deal with the problems. That should do. We need to strengthen government work even more because of the inherent problems. There are always criticisms of each government and every day we have to take the messages and make continuous improvements”.

Regarding crime, when asked about it, Mr. Theodorikakos stated that “the issue of security was not even on the agenda of the opposition. We had made in the first four years a very important effort for a citizen-friendly and efficient police, the low crime rates had decreased and there were reforms in the police. I believe that the current leadership will accelerate reforms to have a better police force.”

Regarding the demographic issue, the former minister emphasized “the consequences of demographic aging are tragic both in the economy and in the health system, but above all they are associated with great risks to national security. Demographics should be a strategic priority.”