The appearance of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Larissa, during the pre-congress conference of New Democracy (Greece), was far more than a routine party event.
It evolved into a multi-layered political intervention — addressing farmers, the broader economy, and the internal dynamics of the governing party.
The theme “Strong Economy – Strong Greece” framed the discussion, but behind the rhetoric a longer-term political strategy emerged, with clear references to a potential third governing term.
The Achelous “bombshell” and the message to Thessaly
The most striking announcement concerned the long-debated transfer of water from the Achelous River to Thessaly.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated that the government has decided to revive the project, which has remained one of Greece’s most controversial infrastructure plans for decades.
“Without water there is no prosperity for Thessaly,” he said.
According to the plan, approximately 250 million cubic meters of water could be partially transferred in order to address water scarcity in the region.
Politically, the decision carries particular weight. Thessaly remains an important electoral region for the government, especially after the devastating floods caused by Storm Daniel.
Behind the scenes, government officials suggest that water management will become a central pillar of the next agricultural strategy.
Farmers, crises and the productivity challenge
The Prime Minister described the current situation in agriculture as a “perfect storm.”
Among the pressures facing the sector:
- flood damage
- falling global prices for several commodities
- livestock diseases
- rising production costs
Within this context, Mitsotakis defended the transfer of agricultural subsidy payments from OPEKEPE to the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) — a reform that initially triggered criticism from farmers.
According to the government, the reform is essential to increase transparency and credibility in the management of EU agricultural funds.
He also referred to:
- the return of the excise tax refund on agricultural diesel starting in 2026
- more than €1 billion in compensation through the agricultural insurance agency ELGA
- targeted support for young farmers.
“The reconstruction of the primary sector will be one of the three main priorities of the next term,” he emphasized.
A message to the younger generation
A significant part of the discussion focused on young workers.
The Prime Minister stressed that:
- unemployment has significantly decreased
- wages are gradually rising
- young people under 25 pay no income tax.
He also revisited the issue of technical and vocational education, arguing that Greece must overcome the long-standing perception that technical professions are somehow inferior.
“In the coming years we will need more technicians than office graduates,” he remarked.
Industry, investment and energy costs
Another key part of the conversation focused on industrial production.
Mitsotakis argued that Greece should not be seen solely as a service-based economy, emphasizing the country’s growing manufacturing base.
He specifically pointed to the development of industrial clusters in the city of Volos, particularly in metal processing and defense-related industries.
At the same time, he announced upcoming measures to support energy-intensive industries, following an agreement with European institutions.
The political backstage of the conference
Beyond the official speeches, the pre-congress event carried significant political symbolism.
Government and party officials noted that the Prime Minister’s presence in Larissa was a strategic political move.
Thessaly remains a region where the government seeks to strengthen its political presence after the disasters of 2023.
Moreover, Mitsotakis’ reference to a “third-term agenda” was widely interpreted as an early signal that preparations for the 2027 national elections have already begun.
According to party insiders, the regional pre-congress conferences function as a testing ground for the political narrative of the coming years, leading up to the 16th party congress.
The broader political message
The Prime Minister concluded his intervention with a clear political formula:
“A strong economy means a strong Greece — and a strong New Democracy.”
This triad, he suggested, will shape the government’s political message in the years ahead.
As several party officials privately remarked after the event:
“The discussion in Larissa was not only about the economy. It was about the political narrative of the next decade.”
Source: pagenews.gr