New Democracy spokesperson Alexandra Sdoukou has outlined the upcoming Greek election choices in an interview on state television channel ERT News.
Speaking ahead of the annual Thessaloniki International Fair, Sdoukou said Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis would announce new economic measures in two weeks. She noted that salaried employees, pensioners, and self-employed professionals are eager to see how national economic growth will directly impact their household budgets.
Sdoukou emphasized that the upcoming gathering in Thessaloniki would serve as a venue not only for immediate government announcements but also for presenting a comprehensive economic roadmap for Greece leading to 2030. The long-term plan aims to further boost citizen incomes and attract foreign investment into the national economy.
The Thessaloniki International Fair, known locally as DETH, is Greece's premier annual commercial exhibition and economic forum. Held every September in the northern port city of Thessaloniki, the event traditionally features a major keynote address by the sitting prime minister to outline economic policy for the upcoming year.
Global Uncertainty and Domestic Fiscal Stability
Sdoukou framed the government's economic agenda against a turbulent international backdrop. She pointed out that the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, uncertain developments in the Strait of Hormuz, rising crude oil prices, and persistent global inflation continue to pressure world markets.
She added that the armed conflict in Ukraine has now lasted five years. Furthermore, an upcoming European election cycle featuring national votes in France, Spain, and Italy is expected to delay key European Union decision-making as governments manage domestic political costs.
Despite international headwinds, Sdoukou maintained that Greece possesses valuable political, economic, and fiscal stability. She stated that the country maintains an economic growth rate above the European Union average, alongside key fiscal indicators that show steady daily improvement.
While positive economic indicators are encouraging, Sdoukou stressed that macroeconomic success must translate into tangible improvements in the daily lives of citizens. She noted that the government's daily policy focus remains centered on measures designed to ease financial burdens for Greek households.
Comparing Leadership Trajectories Ahead of Elections
With national elections scheduled to take place in a few months, Sdoukou argued that citizens will have the opportunity to compare three distinct political records and visions for the country. She contrasted Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis with main opposition figures Nikos Androulakis and Alexis Tsipras.
Sdoukou directed criticism at Nikos Androulakis, leader of the center-left PASOK party. Although Androulakis claims readiness to govern, Sdoukou asserted that he has shown a willingness to vote against his own policy proposals whenever the governing New Democracy party agrees with them.
She cited recent debates over constitutional revision as an example, claiming that Androulakis abandoned positive reform opportunities for the country, fell into line, and acted as a stalking horse during negotiations.
PASOK, formally known as the Panhellenic Socialist Movement, is one of Greece's historical mainstream political parties. Androulakis has led the party as it seeks to re-establish itself as the primary challenger to New Democracy's center-right administration.
Sdoukou also criticized former prime minister Alexis Tsipras, claiming he created what she termed SYRIZA 2. She said Tsipras expects voters to forget his past record in office while attempting to present himself with a refreshed political mentality.
Tsipras served as prime minister of Greece from 2015 to 2019 during the height of the European debt crisis, leading the Coalition of the Radical Left, known as SYRIZA. The party governed during turbulent negotiations with international creditors before losing power to New Democracy in 2019.
By contrast, Sdoukou claimed that Kyriakos Mitsotakis offers voters proven results. She stated that the prime minister has demonstrated what he inherited upon taking office, what commitments he made to the electorate, and what policies his administration has successfully delivered.
Government Outreach and Related Policy Developments
Ahead of the fair, Sdoukou said Mitsotakis will continue traveling across the country to talk directly with citizens and listen to their concerns. She described him as the prime minister for all Greeks, seeking solutions for the entire population without regard to political affiliation.
Sdoukou argued that the political landscape reflects two distinct views of Greece. She described one as an opposition focused on moping and viewing circumstances in black terms, and the other as a perspective that acknowledges real challenges while recognizing genuine national progress.
The political discussion coincides with several key parliamentary and ministerial developments in Athens. In the Hellenic Parliament, the Communist Party of Greece, known as KKE, submitted a legislative amendment calling for the complete restoration of 13th and 14th month salary and pension bonuses for workers and retirees.
The extra festive bonuses, traditionally paid at Christmas, Easter, and summer holidays, were severely restricted or eliminated during the Greek financial crisis under bailout agreements enforced by international lenders.
In economic policy talks, Minister of Development Takis Theodorikakos met with Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis to discuss targeted measures for boosting disposable income across Greek households.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of National Defence unveiled a 63.5 million euro initiative dedicated to energy upgrades and the modernization of military factories. Ministry officials noted that the allocation represents its first comprehensive environmental and infrastructure upgrade program.
In social welfare funding, Minister of Social Cohesion and Family Domna Michailidou announced 1.45 million euros in state financing to construct a new wing at the Itea Care Home facility.
