Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis referred after the second fortnight of January his announcements about the face of the President of the Republic in his interview with ERT.

In particular, to a question about the presidential election and whether his proposal will be from the opposing faction, the prime minister said “I will wish you a Merry Christmas, happy holidays and I will come back to this issue after the holidays as the Constitution requires, respecting and the institutional role of the President of the Republic, I will announce my decisions at the appropriate time” referring however to the second fortnight of January.

For the protection of minors from internet addiction, the Prime Minister asked about the example of Australia and said that on December 30 the initiatives on the issue will be presented.

“In a few days, on December 30, we will present our complete plan. I had also spoken at the UN General Assembly. There is a significant problem of youth addiction to social media and we need parents as allies. Greece has the potential to take the lead at the European level as well,” said Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

The prime minister spoke of a structured and studied plan and that the measures will concern the age of digital adulthood at 15 years and he emphasized that in any case there is a great sensitivity of the majority of public opinion and noted that the ban on mobile phones in schools was the first step.

Referring to the measures he announced on bank charges and criticism of the opposition, Mr. Mitsotakis said that in the budget he sent the message of certainty and stability in an uncertain world.

“For the banks, we have not made the first moves yet. We pushed the IRIS payment system. Now is the time to roll out bolder intervention of zeroing out payment fees and limiting remittance transfers. The tax proposed by PASOK would be a free gift. Commissions would not be reduced, nor would banks give more loans,” he noted.

Regarding PASOK’s stance, Mr. Mitsotakis stated that the amendment he tabled was an example of confusion and lack of understanding of the operation of the system.

“The government made a decision that relieves millions of Greeks. What we did was different from what PASOK proposed in the latest version of its amendment. I have no difficulty if there is a correct proposal from the opposition to adopt it. As a rule, it does not happen. I see a seriousness from PASOK and we find that its proposals are unsubstantiated and unsubstantiated”, he added.

Asked if there will be relief for the middle class in direct taxation in 2025, the prime minister stated that any intervention should be accompanied by equivalent measures or spending restrictions. “The government has reduced a total of 72 taxes. The fact that the economy is growing is healthy. The state collects more from growing the economy and curbing tax evasion. This money goes back to society. More money from curbing tax evasion. What we take from the few who steal from the state, we return to the citizens. The program for 2025 is set. As long as the structural measures to fight tax evasion are working, our gaze will turn to measures to relieve the middle class,” he stressed.

Mr. Mitsotakis stated that he is confident about the growth dynamics of the Greek economy and that Greece will continue to deviate upwards. The prime minister said he is pushing for faster implementation of the Draghi report’s proposals to improve European competitiveness. Especially for defense, he noted that Greece came forward and estimated that the discussion has matured and he will not be surprised if decisions are made in 2025.

Regarding his visit to Lebanon, the prime minister noted the following: “Greece has a direct interest in the Middle East and good relations with all states. It gives us credibility. We are de facto everyone’s interlocutors. In both Lebanon and Syria there is a significant Greek Orthodox community. We are interested in the debate on securing Syria’s territorial sovereignty and protecting religious minorities. It was a very useful visit. It is too early to say what will happen in Syria, we will discuss it at the European Council and I hope we will come to a common line”.

Asked if he is worried about the reinforcement of Turkey, Mr. Mitsotakis said that the neighboring country has always had a say in Syria and how this will end is too early to say. The Prime Minister said that Greek-American relations are at the best level ever and estimated that they will continue like this.

“He is a person close to Trump’s environment and that is good,” he said about the new ambassador, noting that whoever came would serve the good level in the relations between the two countries.

Regarding the constitutional review, he said that he would start this debate in the second half of 2025. “By its nature, the review requires broader consensuses. I come to the discussion in a consensual mood. How many will have been voted with 150 and how many with 180 votes we will see,” he said.