Mitsotakis: Greece Spending 3% of GDP on Defense – The Hidden Power Balances

During the two-day European People’s Party (EPP) leaders’ meeting in Zagreb, Prime Minister and New Democracy President Kyriakos Mitsotakis made statements that revealed not only Greece’s strategic priorities but also the delicate political balances at play within the country.

3% of GDP on Defense: Necessity or Political Choice?

When asked by journalists about Greece’s defense spending, Mitsotakis emphasized:

“Greece has traditionally spent more than 2% of its GDP on defense, at a time when most European countries didn’t even come close to this level.”

• The increase beyond 3% of GDP is framed as a response to geopolitical and national priorities.
• “Citizens understand that for us to be a prosperous and democratic country, we must be secure,” he added.

This message extends beyond security—it’s also political communication, especially with elections on the horizon, where defense spending is used as a marker of government responsibility.

Behind the Scenes: Defense Industry in the Spotlight

Mitsotakis highlighted the importance of the Greek defense industry, signaling plans for greater domestic participation in national programs:

“Citizens want to see greater participation of the Greek defense industry in our expenditures, and of course, we are moving in that direction.”

Beyond the headline numbers, the backstage view shows pressure from major European countries for more balanced spending and transparency, along with internal political jockeying over contracts and influence.

Economic Balance and Public Support

The Prime Minister stressed Greece’s economic management:

“Thanks to the robustness of our economy, we can spend 3% of GDP on defense while continuing to reduce taxes for the middle class, maintaining a primary surplus at the same time.”

This statement carries a dual political message:

1. To voters: that the government balances security and economic growth.
2. To domestic political circles: that defense spending is not just numbers, but a tool of political leverage and market control.

Strategic Importance and European Autonomy

Mitsotakis also linked defense spending to Greece’s role in European strategic autonomy:

“The Greek people recognize and support the fact that we consistently spend more on defense, contributing in this way to European strategic autonomy.”

Despite the positive framing, the political analysis shows that Greece occupies a central role in regional geopolitical balances, amid emerging tensions in the Aegean and the Mediterranean, requiring a display of military strength.

Mitsotakis’ visit to Zagreb was not just an EPP leadership meeting but a platform for political marketing and behind-the-scenes maneuvering. Greece is showcasing strategic consistency, economic strength, and public acceptance of defense spending while simultaneously asserting its position on the European and international stage.

Source: pagenews.gr