The challenges of the present era, the upgraded international role of Greece, but also the great challenge of regional development and social cohesion were addressed by the Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister, Thanasis Kontogeorgis, during his speech at the 16th Congress of New Democracy.
Kontogeorgis outlined the government’s vision for a Greece that plays a leading role in international developments, while ensuring balanced development and progress for every citizen, in every corner of the country. At a time of increased demands both for the country and for the political system as a whole, he underlined that Greece has now gained a strengthened, formative role in the international arena. Referring to the domestic political scene, he pointed out that the 16th Congress coincides with the completion of ten years since Kyriakos Mitsotakis took over the leadership of the party, which during this journey has formed a broad social alliance and ensured stability in the difficult times since 2019. He described the Congress as an important milestone of substantial dialogue and a starting point for the major choices of the next decade with a focus on the Region, stressing: “We are proceeding without arrogance, but also without low self-esteem. We know what we have achieved and what we must do from now on.”
Special emphasis was placed on the need to support the Greek periphery. Mr. Kontogeorgis pointed out that it is a fundamental right for every citizen to be able to live, work and create where he or she was born and raised.In line with the Prime Minister’s reference to this, he highlighted the national objective of “double convergence”, which requires convergence with the core of developed countries, while ensuring that growth is distributed fairly and homogeneously even within the borders of the same regional unit. This strategy is implemented in practice through the National Strategy for Regional and Local Development, which includes local development plans for each regional unit of the country, but also the integration of the regional perspective into the horizontal policies of the ministries. Special attention is given to mountain and island regions facing distinct geographical challenges.
At the European level, Kontogeorgis noted that the European economy is at a critical crossroads, seeking synergies between competitiveness, defence and cohesion. This debate is crucial, as it is directly linked to the negotiation of the new Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2035. He underlined that the Greek Presidency of the European Council in the second half of 2027 requires strong leadership and high diplomatic skills, as our country will most likely be called upon to achieve the major European agreement on the new budget. At the same time, he highlighted the new architecture of European funds, which for the first time requires the creation of a single national government and local government programme, operating with specific milestones along the lines of the Recovery Fund. He made it clear that it is a priority for Greece to maintain cohesion funds to support the regions and shape the new Common Agricultural Policy for the benefit of producers.
Closing his statement, Thanasis Kontogeorgis reiterated that the core of New Democracy’s policy remains deeply social, with a firm focus on social mobility, collective progress and, above all, social justice for a balanced development that ensures that no one is left behind.
