Many of Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s “Don’ts” and Some “Wants” at TIF – What He Ordered and What He Didn’t

“Reform every hand that holds us back” was the central message of Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ speech at the 87th TEF.

The prime minister spoke of a “de facto new deal” of “reforms everywhere and legality everywhere” and announced some economic measures – given this year’s “small basket” of TIF – that would dominate the “unfreeze” in three years. For private sector employees.

However, those who expected him to “apologise” for the inadequacies of the government apparatus in dealing with this year’s devastating fires and deadly floods in Thessaly were perhaps disappointed, as Mr. He doesn’t claim infallibility, adding: “But I don’t give in to obstacles, no matter how insurmountable they seem.”

Insurance and Private Individuals Will “Save Us”

In essence, the prime minister called climate change again, while not failing to defend the work of Costas Agorastos, the regional governor of Thessaly, who continues to support the new democracy, although it has been the target of great reactions, projects have been made in the region in the past years, however, “if everything is done correctly, it will be seen in the account and trial of justice”, As he said, “Thessaly is going on its back for decades. Pathological in its water management” .

At the same time, one of the government’s main slogans that emerged from Mitsotakis’s speech at the TIF for dealing with natural disasters was: “Insure, because…we are lost.”

Therefore, as announced by the Prime Minister, insurance for medium and large companies against natural calamities is becoming mandatory, the restructuring of agricultural production insurance is progressing, while a 10% discount to ENFIA is being offered to those who insure their assets against natural calamities. Under the system of incentives and disincentives to encourage insurance.

At the same time, he told us, the private sector should become contractors for big projects and afforestation, help home appliance companies with rebates, and help “developed companies pay.” However, he is not explained to us.

What he won’t do, he doesn’t tell us

What he won’t do

It should be noted that Kyriakos Mitsotakis spoke several “no’s” about an extraordinary TIF.

“I will not allow the country’s financial position to derail”, he said characteristically, confirming a “tight” budget that would not allow for many openings, while noting that he would not allow Greeks to be “divided again on a lie”. He blamed the opposition, as he spoke of “small-minded people” who wanted to turn a divine event into a “cry of the opposition”.

“I’m not worried about the cost of popular politics. I have a mandate for major reforms and that’s what I’m doing,” the prime minister said, and, at the start of his speech, mentioned pleasantries like “capturing investment”. The quality of our country after 14 years, the second place in growth we have achieved in Europe, record exporters, the lowest unemployment in the last 15 years” and so on, however, the data, as he said, forced him to start completely differently – from the tragedies of Evros and Thessaly, that is.

What… he didn’t tell us

He may have hinted at what the prime minister would not do, however, as he did not answer the “burning” questions about his government’s management of fires and floods, but contented himself with “dressed-up” generalities and “buzzwords”. “With fragments of poems…

Given his determination not to tear us apart again on lies, one assumes he did not refer to the scientific warnings from the Athens Observatory, with three announcements sounding a timely and accurate warning of the severity of Bad Weather Daniel. , which “suffocated” Thessaly and Magnesia.

He said his government had been called upon to manage huge crises and failed to comment on whether it had managed them successfully.

“Reforms and Legitimacy” Like Carrots and Sticks

Evros fence “all over” – “back” to safety

Although Kyriakos Mitsotakis has expressed the same readiness as the government for disaster recovery in Thessaly, Evros has also announced the recruitment of firefighters and foresters – without specifying the numbers – and procurement after major fires. Fire surveillance drones, heat sensors and cameras at danger points, security and fencing “ceremoniously” came back.

“The extension of the fence to Evros continues and will be completed,” the Prime Minister applauded, while responding to attacks from the opposition, who he personally accused of “failing the Labor government.” His government’s front-line security has announced that 2,500 police officers will be relieved of protecting public figures within the next month.

In effect, the prime minister’s security has been halved, which also applies to ministers, parliamentarians and officials, while businessmen and other actors will “fund their own security,” he said.

At the same time, he promised to speed up the administration of justice, postponing only one trial and digitizing the procedures (including measures that require recruitment, however, not only the fight against bureaucracy) , but also the execution of sentences, showing as an example that those sentenced to 15 years “will not be released in 5”.

However, Kyriakos Mitsotakis did not ascend to Vellidian status with the “wind” of 40% of the elections, but he did not appear apologetic or defeated.

It remains to be seen how he will answer reporters’ questions during tomorrow’s (17/9) press conference at TIF, and how he will respond if he feels pressured…