Mitsotakis – The Defense Agreement is another big one for a strong Greece
In his introductory speech at the cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis referred to the defense agreement with France, noting that this is a development that strengthens the position of Greece and Europe. He also referred to the government’s economic reforms, stressing that they will continue.
Specifically, he stated that this meeting was “the first that takes place after a very important Agreement – and I dare say, without precedent for the country – the signing of the strategic partnership between Greece and France in the field of defense and security.
This is a development that obviously shields the National Armed Forces, as it is accompanied by the supply of three state-of-the-art frigates for our fleet, in fact the 24 Rafale fighters that strengthen our Air Force.
A step towards an independent and strong EU
However, the qualitative and strategic characteristics of this option make it – I believe – much deeper an ordinary bilateral cooperation. As well as a much wider supranational alliance. Because on the one hand, the new partnership between the two countries clearly provides for a defense assistance clause if one of them is attacked by a third factor. On the other hand, in practice, an upgraded alliance is being formed within the framework of both the European Union and NATO.
In other words, it is a dynamic Agreement in favor of the national interest at present, but also in favor of an autonomous European perspective in the future. Another big one for a stronger Greece and a first step for a more independent and dynamic European Union. But also an initiative that makes the Mediterranean wing of the Atlantic Alliance even stronger, even more effective.
Therefore, we are talking about a development that serves peace and stability in our wider region on many levels. We will have the opportunity to say more on Thursday, in Parliament, where the government will bring for discussion and ratification the Greek-French partnership.
It costs more and costs less
Today I think it is worth comparing soon two more elements of this new Agreement: First, that in addition to the defense it has a positive financial footprint, because it was united much less than the quantities of the original offer, this supply can be served by the fiscal space which we have. That is, it is worth more and costs less.
And secondly, it brings Greece to the forefront of a major European initiative of tomorrow. Next to the largest military power on the continent, he lays the first foundation for the country’s defense capability to withstand its economic power. While at the same time it extends the influence of NATO. Thus, from now on, our country becomes not only a recipient of allied guarantees but also a dynamic security provider with a profile in the Mediterranean and beyond.
Today, however, is doubly important, as it coincides with the 47th extension of the founding proclamation of New Democracy. We honor it, therefore, by shielding our defense and alliances, but always taking care of the economic and social progress of the country.
Budget 2022 – Prospects for the economy over the next two years
Today we will have the opportunity to examine and present to the staff of the Ministry of Finance the draft Budget for 2022. But we will also talk about incentives for the development, merger, growth of small and medium enterprises. But also for the prospects of the economy in the next two years.
This perspective agenda alone, I think, also responds to the official opposition’s pseudo-lentarism about elections. Because, as I have said many times, they will give their time, as stipulated by the Constitution, that is, at the end of the four years. But now it closes a fruitful two years by launching a new one, even more optimistic for everyone. And it will even have a wider horizon.
The relevant paraphilology, then, is both outdated and invalid. I would say that sometimes it is corrosive for the work we have to do. That is why we respond to all this cynology with work.
Reforms will continue, not only because our work is already being exchanged for overall growth. We will have the opportunity today to revise to 6.1% our forecast for 2021 growth.
We talk less while working harder
The work we do, however, is also reflected in the increase of the disposable income for everyone, in more jobs, in new investments. But because we now know that we can have even better results in a place that will prosper, with citizens who will prosper. This means development for all of us. And we would have the opportunity to look at these sector-specific initiatives shortly thereafter.
These are actions that we are called not just to implement, we are also called to highlight. Because indeed, in the very things that are done, there are very serious cuts that are offered in the flow of current affairs. For example, the very important initiatives of the Ministry of Labor for the Personal Assistant for people with special needs, the “Neighborhood Nanny” for the working mother, very important initiatives that were voted last week. Consumer rights in online shopping that we will examine today. These are measures that need to be made known, next to our central conversions.
I close by reiterating that we are today after an agreement of national importance which goes beyond the current year. And we have before us a challenge of economic and social renaissance that also transcends constitutional terms.
As of today, therefore, we all talk less while working harder.