PM Mitsotakis: General elections will not be held this autumn

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis made clear on Friday that “general elections will not be held this autumn.”

In an interview with Open TV, the PM was referring to the scenarios circulating in the country that general elections will be possibly held on September 27, two weeks after the International Fair of Thessaloniki (ITF) where Greek premiers traditionally announce a series of economic measures in favor of the society.

“The government is implementing a four-year program based on, and guided by, the mandate we received from the Greek people in the twin elections of 2023,” Mitsotakis said.

In his interview the PM stressed that the government’s agenda includes the launch and completion of numerous infrastructure projects to which it had committed.

Referring to the increased political activity that is often interpreted as a dress rehearsal for possible early elections – which he reiterated will not take place this autumn – the Prime Minister said that “a government does not stop its work simply because it has entered the fourth year of its term. We still have an extensive programme of government work ahead of us. Many of the projects currently being planned will be implemented during the next four-year term.”

He underlined that such political activity is not unusual, adding that “the election campaign effectively began the day after the 2023 elections.”

On forthcoming economic announcements, Mitsotakis said that “at the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) we will present both our economic plan for the coming year and a four-year programme.”

He explained that, in a country deeply scarred by excessive public spending, large deficits and heavy debt, and one that has experienced the consequences of empty promises, he believes it is his duty to present a serious plan backed by fully costed commitments.

Addressing the continuing rise in the cost of living, Mitsotakis acknowledged that it remains a major challenge for both the Greek economy and many households. He noted that a significant share of the pay rises granted and the tax cuts introduced had, to some extent, been offset by rising prices. He stressed that strengthening disposable income remains a central priority.

Mitsotakis has recently said the general elections will be held in spring 2027.

it should be recalled that ruling New Democracy has been under pressure of the ongoing high cost of living with the effect that rates in public opinion polls show a real struggle of Greece’s conservatives to achieve a majority government in the next elections. At the same time, scandals involving ND politicians and party members pop up almost on a daily basis.