In a comprehensive interview with the “Free Sunday Press”, the deputy prime minister Kostis Hatzidakis he talks about purely political issues, but he also talks about everyday issues, such as housing.

In the purely political, first, he points out that “for us, self-reliance is an unwavering goal. And in any case, we should not ignore the fact that, despite any problems, New Democracy is still the first party in the opinion polls, and indeed by a large margin from the second party. There are not a few cases in Greece and in Europe”and adds, “in which the ruling party at mid-term is behind in the polls and eventually wins the election. Of course, this is not even the case here. What we have to do, in the year and a half until the elections, is to work hard, so that we can continue to implement our pre-election program and the changes that the country needs”.

And, he continues: “To speak clearly about the key national priorities of the immediate future: A substantial Constitutional revision, harnessing artificial intelligence to modernize economic and administrative structures and further armor the country. This is how we will seek to convince our fellow citizens – and especially the undecided – to trust us again”.

While then, “We recognize that accumulated accuracy is a challenge for households both here and in other European countries. And boosting their income is the best answer to this problem.”he points out, referring to the “basket” of the International Exhibition of Thessaloniki, to the measures that will apply either from next month or from the new year.

“In total, more than 4 million Greeks will benefit, including pensioners, public and private employees, families with children, young people, residents of small villages and uninhabited islands. In some cases, the annual benefit e.g. for those with many children or young people, it exceeds even one extra salary”reports.

And he adds: “We have demonstrated that our goal is for economic growth to continue to return to citizens in the form of a social dividend. This is what we did in previous years, and for this year we have exhausted the fiscal margins. Accordingly, in 2026 a new support package for society will follow, thanks to the growth of the economy and the reduction of tax evasion. What we have to look forward to by the end of the year is a new set of housing policy initiatives”.

Regarding the Monument to the Unknown Soldier, the deputy prime minister emphasizes that “everywhere in the world there are corresponding monuments that receive due respect! In our country, however, a situation had developed over the last few months, which does not correspond to the image we would like to see. The attitude of the opposition on this particular issue shows political hypocrisy and instrumentalization of the Tempe tragedy. We are all sorry for this tragedy and believe that the culprits should be punished.”

But, he adds, “I did not see from the opposition parties a corresponding awareness of other tragedies that shocked us, such as Mandra and Mati. Also, while there is already a monument for the victims of Tempe and, at the same time, anyone who wants can protest in the whole of Athens and in the rest of Syntagma Square, should they do it on the Monument of the Unknown Soldier? I believe that in our country we should learn to deal with some issues in terms of common sense and not just in party terms”.

For OPEKEPE, K. Hatzidakis answers by saying how “We have a mountain to climb. We recognize the pressure our farmers are under, and that’s why we fight every day to get their subsidies. However, we are obliged to comply with a series of rules set by the European Commission which concern strict controls. Otherwise, our country would face new fines or even a partial suspension of subsidies”explains.

Moreover, “an effort is underway for the transition of OPEKEPE to AADE and the new, modern control and payment system, which will allow, from 2026 onwards, payments to be made transparently and without other complications”according to the government target.

To a question, finally, about the political plans of former prime ministers, he answers for Alexis Tsipras that “he is neither a centrist politician nor can he express an agenda of reforms and common sense, to win the moderate centrist voters”. While for Antonis Samaras, he states: “I respect Antonis Samaras, after all, I have been a minister in his government. However, I always believe in a great New Democracy, because only our party is a factor of stability and perspective for the country”.