Mitsotakis charts the government’s agenda – Reforms on all fronts

In an extensive Facebook post, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis outlined the government’s agenda for November, mapping out an ambitious reform plan that spans defense, agriculture, higher education, energy efficiency, and regional development.

The post, both retrospective and forward-looking, presented a panoramic view of the government’s priorities — from the modernization of the armed forces and the restructuring of the OPEKEPE agricultural payments agency, to the management of water resources and major infrastructure projects in the Greek periphery.

 A renewed Pentagon – Symbol of national strength and modernization

Mitsotakis began his review with the unveiling of the new façade of the Hellenic Ministry of Defense, describing it as a “new landmark of national significance” and a “Vault of National Memory.”

The bioclimatic, architecturally modern façade, designed by Kostas Varotsos and funded by Metlen Group, was presented as a symbol of the revitalized and modernized Greek Armed Forces.

At the same time, the Prime Minister announced pay raises for 76,000 military personnel, retroactive from October 1, 2025, noting that “there can be no strong Armed Forces without people, means, and planning.” The raises — averaging €145 per month — result from the rationalization of the pay structure and the expansion of hazard allowances, marking what he called “a new era of care for the uniformed services.”

 OPEKEPE reform: “The toughest restructuring I can remember”

In one of the post’s most pointed sections, Mitsotakis described the reform of the OPEKEPE (the body responsible for EU agricultural payments) as “the toughest restructuring I can remember.”

Under the new legislation approved by the Cabinet, the agency’s operations are being transferred to the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE), which will oversee the management of EU agricultural funds.

“We must change a malfunctioning system in real time without jeopardizing payments to farmers,” he emphasized, reassuring that subsidies will continue without disruption.

The move is seen as a strategic reform aimed at ensuring transparency and efficiency in how European agricultural subsidies are handled — an area long plagued by bureaucracy and mismanagement.

 Water as a public good – The “Eurytos” plan

Special focus was given to the government’s €2.5 billion national plan to tackle drought, which includes upgrading water networks, reducing losses, and promoting reuse.

A central pillar of the program is the “Eurytos Plan,” involving the partial diversion of the Krikeliotis and Karpenisiotis rivers toward the Evinos, in order to secure Attica’s long-term water supply.

“The government is committed to protecting water as a supreme public good,” Mitsotakis said, noting that 51% of EYDAP and EYATH, the country’s two largest water utilities, are now under full state control.

 Health reform: Shorter waiting times and modernized emergency units

Mitsotakis highlighted the impact of the new digital wristband system introduced in hospital emergency departments, which has cut waiting times by 65%. The average patient stay now stands at three hours and thirty minutes, while 63 Emergency Departments across Greece are being renovated through Recovery Fund financing.

Acknowledging that “delays still exist,” he reiterated that improving the National Health System (ESY) remains a core government commitment.

Road safety: A new culture behind the wheel

The Prime Minister pointed to a steady decline in traffic fatalities, noting that 2025 has seen 115 fewer deathscompared to 2019. He credited the improvement to tougher penalties, better infrastructure, and expanded public transport, including the Athens metro’s 24-hour Saturday service.

He also rebuked “minority voices” who criticized awareness campaigns by private companies, stressing that “the protection of human life must never be a target of political antagonism.”

 Universities: Ending the era of ‘eternal students’

Following the publication of a ministerial decision, universities will begin removing about 285,000 inactive studentswho have exceeded their maximum years of study.

Mitsotakis emphasized that “30,000 students have already applied for an extension,” describing the measure as “a substantive reform that brings order and accountability to public universities.”

Meanwhile, €2.05 million have been allocated to the Democritus University of Thrace for the renovation of dormitories and cafeterias, underscoring the government’s focus on improving daily life for students.

 “Renovate – Save for Youth”: 100,000 households supported

The Prime Minister presented progress on the “Exoikonomo – Ananeonizo gia Neous” (“Renovate–Save for Youth”) program, which helps young people upgrade or refurbish their homes for energy efficiency.

So far, 2,679 applications have been approved, while across all “Exoikonomo” programs, nearly 100,000 householdshave benefited, with grants exceeding €1.3 billion.

 Regional development: Evia, Lesvos, and Evros on the map

Mitsotakis devoted the final section of his post to regional infrastructure projects.

In Northern Evia, the Psachna–Prokopi bypass (€7.9 million) is moving ahead, alongside €16 million in road safety, drainage, and redevelopment works. On Lesvos, the €100 million Tsiknias Dam is under construction to supply water to Mytilene and surrounding areas, while the new psychiatric wing at the local hospital nears completion.

In Evros, the new freight shipping line Alexandroupolis–Mytilene–Chios–Piraeus has been tendered, and the modernization of the Kipi border crossing — Greece’s main road link with Turkey — is now underway.

“We enter November with projects, reforms, and energy for work”

Concluding his weekly update, the Prime Minister wrote: “As you can see, we enter November with ongoing projects, advancing reforms, and a lot of energy for work.”

The post served not only as a weekly review but also as a strategic message — portraying a government intent on delivering tangible results, projecting stability, progress, and reform momentum as Greece heads into the winter political season.

Source: pagenews.gr