Mitsotakis sets out Greece 2030 vision and seeks third term
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has presented his vision for Greece through 2030, highlighting economic growth, investment, digital transformation and a stronger international role while confirming that he intends to seek a third consecutive term in office at the 2027 elections.
Mitsotakis made the remarks during a series of events in California, including discussions at Stanford University's Hoover Institution and an Endeavour Greece event in San Francisco.
Economy and investment at the center
Speaking alongside former US Secretary of State and Hoover Institution Director Condoleezza Rice, Mitsotakis said Greece has responded to the challenges of recent years through economic growth, fiscal discipline and efforts to reduce inequalities.
He said the Greek economy is growing faster than the European Union average and continues to record primary budget surpluses. He also pointed to increased foreign investment, a significant reduction in unemployment since 2019 and a sharp decline in the country's debt-to-GDP ratio.
According to Mitsotakis, Greece's improved economic position has also strengthened investor confidence and reduced borrowing costs. He said the country is now borrowing at lower costs than four G7 economies, while Greeks who moved abroad are increasingly considering returning.
The prime minister also highlighted efforts to combat tax evasion and the use of European Recovery and Resilience Facility funds to support public investment and provide tax relief.
Greece seeks stronger global role
Mitsotakis said Greece has adopted a more active foreign policy, with international law serving as its guiding principle.
He highlighted the strengthening of Greece's armed forces and the government's approach to migration and border protection, noting that Greece's borders are also external borders of the European Union.
The prime minister also stressed the importance of maintaining strong transatlantic ties while supporting greater European capabilities, citing recommendations contained in the Draghi report.
Third term linked to 2030 target
During the San Francisco discussion, Mitsotakis confirmed that he plans to seek a third consecutive term as prime minister in the 2027 elections.
He described 2030 as a significant milestone for Greece, marking 200 years since the establishment of the modern Greek state. Mitsotakis said his government has a specific plan for where the country should be by then and argued that maintaining economic and fiscal stability would be essential to achieving those goals.
He said elections should focus on the country's future priorities rather than solely on the government's record in previous years.
Technology and digital transformation
Mitsotakis said Greece is developing a stronger technology and start-up ecosystem and stressed the importance of building closer links with Silicon Valley.
He pointed to the digital transformation of public services through the gov.gr platform as an example of how European funding has been used not only to support the economy after the pandemic but also to accelerate Greece's digital and energy transitions.
He also referred to a new supercomputer scheduled to become operational in Lavrio, which he said would provide computing capacity to the state and Greece's emerging start-up sector.
Focus on Greeks returning home
The prime minister also highlighted efforts to reverse the outflow of skilled workers who left Greece during the country's economic crisis.
He said many young Greeks had emigrated because of limited professional opportunities rather than by choice. The government's objective, he said, is to create conditions that would allow more highly skilled Greeks abroad to return while maintaining connections with international labour markets.
Mitsotakis referred to tax incentives for returning workers and the opportunities created by remote employment.
He also encouraged Greeks living abroad to participate in future elections, including through postal voting, arguing that the diaspora can contribute to Greece through investment, entrepreneurship and political participation.
Government says Greece has changed
Mitsotakis said Greece is no longer regarded as Europe's "black sheep", pointing to economic growth, falling public debt and lower borrowing costs as evidence of the country's changed economic position.
He also highlighted a shift among younger Greeks toward entrepreneurship and the expansion of domestic technology companies and start-ups.
The prime minister said the progress achieved in recent years should not be taken for granted, warning that changes in economic and fiscal policy could put that trajectory at risk.
His message across the California meetings was centered on maintaining economic stability, attracting investment, strengthening Greece's international position and pursuing a long-term development strategy toward 2030.
Source:AMNA
