PM Mitsotakis meets with Tony Blair at Maximos Mansion

Greece’s Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, met with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair in Athens on Tuesday afternoon.

During their meeting at Megaros Maximos, the two discussed global and regional developments, “as well as the challenges arising from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine,” the Prime Minister’s office said in a statement.

Mitsotakis’ meeting with Blair comes as the Greek Prime Minister held a cabinet meeting earlier in the day where he warned ministers that the Greek economy does not have “infinite” resources to continue offsetting energy prices.

Στη συνάντηση με τον πρώην Πρωθυπουργό του Ηνωμένου Βασιλείου Tony Blair, είχαμε την ευκαιρία να συζητήσουμε για τις διεθνείς και περιφερειακές εξελίξεις, καθώς και για τις προκλήσεις που απορρέουν από την εισβολή της Ρωσίας στην Ουκρανία. pic.twitter.com/Qll8ckhJgo

— Prime Minister GR (@PrimeministerGR) August 30, 2022

During the meeting at his office in Athens, Mitsotakis warned of a “tough winter” ahead, Ekathimerini reported.

“Any steps we take will be measured so that temporary needs do not undermine national imperatives,” he said.

The Prime Minister hailed the European Commission’s announcement on Monday that it intends to introduce a series of reforms to contain skyrocketing energy prices, expressing his desire to enact them without delay.

“Every day that passes without a joint approach to the energy crisis makes the problems for all Europeans grow,” Mitsotakis said.

He added that immediate action is required as Greece is among the countries being targeted by Russia for showing solidarity with Ukraine.

“Mr Putin is doing nothing to hide it, and neither is Mr Erdogan, who has publicly stated that he would like a different government in Athens,” Mitsotakis added.