“I believe that faces should say something. The New Democracy grew in these nine years, because while it remained faithful to its founding declaration, if you read it you will see how faithful we have remained, it was not afraid of a rhetorical expansion, especially towards society. This, then, is the message that Kyriakos Mitsotakis wants to send in every big decision he makes. Whether it’s a political decision, whether it’s a personal decision, giving opportunities, at the end of the day we’re all judged by the outcome. So, I think we will see something like that now». This was emphasized by government representative Pavlos Marinakis in an interview with Antenna television station, answering a question about the person who will be nominated for the Presidency of the Republic.

Referring to the names that are heard, he said that no one knows the real name “and all that we have shielded, we have protected, is important for the institution”. He added by saying: “There are a few days left, as the prime minister has said in the second fortnight of January, he starts the second fortnight of January next Wednesday to see the President of the Republic, which is a monthly institutional meeting, anyway.”

Speaking of Ms. Sakellaropoulou said that she is the current President of the Republic and noted that “with great dignity, seriousness, she honored this institution”.

Speaking about the government project, he said that the reality itself says that Greece is the champion country in Europe in the rate of tax reduction from 2019 to 2023, namely it was 42.8% of GDP and has fallen to 40.7% of GDP in 2023. “Practically, because we were a country, where for whole decades the citizens only heard about taxes, it was our first priority to reduce and have reduced including taxes reduced from 1/1/2025, 72 tax rates” he said.

Referring to the state’s sources of revenue, he said that the money does not grow from somewhere and emphasized that those who propose increases and benefits must explain where they will get the money. And he added: “This government increases revenue in three ways. The first way is with the jobs it creates. Why? 500,000 people who were paid by unemployment benefits – as if they were being paid by the State – are now paying the State with their work. With taxes and contributions, not increased. Second, tackling tax evasion. 1.8 billion they have come extra into government coffers from a number of policies we have implemented. POS, cash registers, IRIS system, different way of property transfer. And the third way is the development of the economy, we realize it, we return to GDP as before the crisis”.

Mr. Marinakis pointed out that the government has reduced 72 tax rates, including 23 indirect taxes, but said this is not enough.

“Our goal is to further reduce taxes in the coming years. I believe that we will succeed, just like the previous ones and in a way, however, which will lead to a reduction of the debt at the same time”.

Referring to the taxation of the powerful, Mr. Marinakis said:Let’s look back a bit in time and the last few years and the previous years. Which other post-election prime minister has taxed so much – because there was an emergency, it is not a regular policy – energy supply companies to return to the citizens and pay for expensive electricity? Answer: Only Mitsotakis. Which other prime minister has extraordinarily overtaxed the super profits of big businesses, like, for example, the refineries, something which – I say again – was extraordinary, it is not our permanent policy. Only Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Which other politician has taken measures like these, and let’s look a little in other countries, directly, without popularizing and without wanting to take revenge on someone, like what we saw about the banks? New Democracy and Kyriakos Mitsotakis».

Referring to the banks, the government spokesman said that the government’s goal is for the country to become a normal country, where businesses will continue to create prospects and jobs, continue to be profitable, but not at levels of unfair speculation. He said that in his view the top measure for the banks, is the doubling of the ENFIA for their properties, which he said is a measure that shows that there is a plan and a strategy.