The New Democracy spokesperson, Alexandra Sdoukou, in an interview with ERTNews.
Referring to the Prime Minister’s tours, Ms. Sdoukou emphasized that engagement with the public is not a temporary measure, noting that Kyriakos Mitsotakis has been visiting every corner of Greece since the very beginning of his administration. As she noted, New Democracy officials are doing the same, as part of an organized plan with specific proposals for each region.
At the same time, he emphasized that consultation is an integral part of the party’s culture, noting that its officials are constantly in close contact with citizens, are accountable, and are implementing projects in all prefectures across the country.
“The small pieces of the puzzle”
The New Democracy spokesperson placed particular emphasis on the small interventions which, as she said, make up the big picture of progress.
As she noted, major changes are the sum of many small improvements, which may not make headlines but have a substantial impact on local communities and specific social groups.
As examples, he cited the radiation therapy center in Rhodes, which is in its final stages, so that patients will no longer need to travel to Athens, the new hospital in Kos, for which, as he said, the necessary funds have been secured after years of delays, the 1,000 new jobs for people with disabilities in municipalities and regions, as well as the “Neighborhood Nannies” program, which supports working families.
“A futile race for benefits”
Commenting on the proposals put forward by PASOK and Alexis Tsipras’s party, which is currently being formed, Ms. Sdoukou spoke of a “competition over who will offer more.”
As she said, “Tsipras says a 35-hour workweek, PASOK says 32. PASOK says free public transportation for those under 25, Tsipras says free for everyone. If one promises a free Fiat to everyone, the other will promise a Ferrari.”
She argued that the opposition parties are returning, as she put it, “to their roots, to populism,” contrasting this with the government’s approach of targeted interventions, citing as examples aid for the unemployed and large families.
“Tsipras’s Lessons”
Referring to Alexis Tsipras’s new political venture, Ms. Sdoukou noted that the former prime minister recently stated that he had learned from the events of his time in power.
“But he didn’t say that those ‘lessons’ cost the Greek people nearly 100 billion euros,” he pointed out, adding that it remains doubtful whether he has truly learned from that experience.
As she argued, his book suggests that he shifts the blame onto his associates rather than himself, “as if he hadn’t chosen them himself.”
The New Democracy spokesperson further emphasized that there is a clear difference in economic philosophy between the government and the opposition.
“They seek to divide up the 100 euros of the GDP pie, and in a dangerous way at that. We want to turn it into 120 and 130, with more investment, more wealth, and more jobs,” she said.
“There will be no second election”
In closing, Ms. Sdoukou noted that, as the Prime Minister has also pointed out, the election campaign is a marathon that will last until the spring of 2027.
As she stated, the government must, on the one hand, highlight what it has achieved over the past seven years and, on the other hand, present its plan for the next four years and Greece in 2030.
Finally, he emphasized that citizens must keep in mind that “there are no second or third chances,” arguing that the country needs a stable government starting on election night. For this reason, he said, New Democracy is once again seeking a majority government, as there is no room for either experimentation or political uncertainty.
