Mitsotakis from Thessaloniki: “New Democracy Is Building Greece of 2030”

Strong messages on defense, economy and national stability amid attacks on the opposition

In a speech packed with political symbolism and national messaging, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis used the stage of New Democracy’s pre-congress conference in Thessaloniki to outline the government’s long-term vision for Greece through 2030.

Speaking at the 6th Pre-Congress of New Democracy, Mitsotakis attempted to present a broader narrative of a “strong Greece,” linking defense, diplomacy, energy policy and economic stability into a single strategic plan for the country’s future.

“Thessaloniki will become the starting point for our new effort toward a strong Greece of 2030,” the Prime Minister declared, deliberately choosing Europe Day to underline the government’s strong European orientation.

The speech carried clear pre-election undertones, despite national elections not being imminent. The government appears determined to reinforce its central political narrative: stability in an era of geopolitical uncertainty and international turbulence.

A major part of Mitsotakis’ address focused on strengthening Greece’s Armed Forces, highlighting the acquisition of Rafale fighter jets, Belharra frigates, the Greek-French defense agreement and the country’s broader military modernization strategy.

“Patriotism is not shouting on television panels. Patriotism is our Rafales, our F-16s and the frigate ‘Kimon’ cutting through the Aegean with the Greek flag flying high,” he said, in what many interpreted as a response to critics demanding harsher nationalist rhetoric.

Government officials increasingly portray Greece as more than just a regional observer. The strategic objective, according to the Prime Minister’s message, is to establish the country as a decisive geopolitical player in the Eastern Mediterranean and Europe.

Particular attention was also given to the so-called “Achilles Shield,” Greece’s developing anti-missile defense concept, with Mitsotakis stressing the importance of domestic defense production.

“It matters that we produce our own modern weapons systems,” he emphasized, signaling a broader push toward defense self-sufficiency and industrial investment.

On Greek-Turkish relations, Mitsotakis chose measured but pointed language, insisting that dialogue does not mean compromise on sovereignty.

“Calm waters mean free waters, where International Law prevails,” he stated, addressing criticism surrounding the government’s approach to tensions in the Aegean.

The Prime Minister also revisited the migration issue and the Evros border fence, framing border protection as a matter of national sovereignty.

“Greece will never again become an unguarded country,” he declared, defending the government’s migration policy and tighter border controls.

However, the strongest political message of the speech was directed at the opposition. Mitsotakis once again invoked the trauma of the 2015 financial crisis era, attempting to contrast his administration’s stability-focused agenda with what he described as the failures of the past.

“While some dream of returning to the disastrous 2015, New Democracy is designing the hopeful Greece of 2030,” he said, effectively unveiling what may become the government’s central political slogan moving forward.

He also launched sharp criticism against PASOK, accusing the party of becoming a political force defined by “no to everything and yes to nothing.”

The broader message from Thessaloniki was unmistakable: the government wants to position itself as the only political force capable of guaranteeing economic stability, national security and European credibility at a time of growing global uncertainty.

And judging by the tone and structure of the speech, New Democracy appears to have already begun preparing the ground not only for the next elections — but for a longer-term political dominance leading up to 2030.

Source: pagenews.gr