Mitsotakis Talks Tax Evasion, 2027 Election in Kilkis

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Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis used a visit to northern Greece on Tuesday to make his case for another term in office, warning against political instability and populism ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking to residents of Neo Agioneri, a village in the region of Kilkis, Mitsotakis defended his government’s record on tax evasion, pointed to recent investigations as evidence of its willingness to confront powerful interests and urged party officials not to lose touch with voters.

His remarks came during a tour of Kilkis that included visits to an elderly care facility, a major road construction project and two local businesses.

Tax Evasion and the ‘Big Fish’

Mitsotakis placed particular emphasis on his government’s efforts to tackle tax evasion, which he described as one of the country’s most serious forms of social injustice. The Prime Minister claimed that his administration had made the issue a priority in 2023, arguing that those who evade taxes deprive other citizens of public resources.

Responding to criticism that authorities have failed to pursue major offenders, the prime minister pointed to two significant cases (Pizza Fan and Horiatiko bakery) that had been unearthed in recent days.

“People used to ask us, ‘Why don’t you go after the big fish?'” Mitsotakis said. He credited enforcement agencies established under his government with investigating the cases, arguing that their work demonstrated his administration’s willingness to take on powerful interests. The Prime Minister also pointed to the work of Greece’s Directorate for Combating Organized Crime, established two years ago. He said the agency had initially been mocked as the “Greek FBI” but argued that its record of solving cases spoke for itself.

A Warning Against Political Instability in 2027

Turning to the general election scheduled for spring 2027, Mitsotakis framed the contest as a choice between continuity under New Democracy and an uncertain political future. “We are not living in normal times,” he said, arguing that international upheaval made government experience and Greece’s standing abroad increasingly important. “We cannot risk not having a government the day after the election,” he maintained.

The prime minister once again framed the upcoming election as a choice between continuing on the country’s current course, returning to the past or embracing populist alternatives. He also reiterated his determination to secure an outright parliamentary majority, saying New Democracy could not govern alongside any other party. He cited the opposition’s stance during the recent parliamentary debate on the government’s blanket social media ban for children under 15, singling out the center-left PASOK party for abstaining from the vote.

Mitsotakis also made clear that he was setting a high electoral bar for his party, invoking the roughly 40% vote shares New Democracy has secured in previous elections. “We’ve had 40s. We want 40s,” he said, joking that he would settle for nothing less than “heat wave temperatures” in 2027.

But he paired that ambitious target with a warning to members of his government and party against complacency. “I will not tolerate any signs of self-satisfaction or arrogance between now and the election,” he said, urging officials to listen to citizens and take their concerns seriously.

Defense Spending and Greece’s International Role

With Greece preparing to mark OXI Day on Wednesday, Oct. 28, Mitsotakis also addressed defense spending and the country’s military capabilities. The prime minister is due to attend the annual military parade in Thessaloniki, where he said new defense technologies would be on display. He referred to the frigate Kimon, which he described as a “jewel,” noting that residents of Thessaloniki had waited for hours to tour the vessel.

Mitsotakis said Greece remained committed to dialogue with its neighbors while maintaining the ability to defend its sovereignty and  rights. He added that the investments already made in the armed forces represented only the beginning of a broader effort.

He also claimed that Greece had gained greater influence in European decision-making, saying the country was now helping shape developments in Brussels rather than merely responding to them.

Visits to an Elderly Care Facility and Local Businesses

Earlier on Tuesday, Mitsotakis visited a newly completed public nursing home in Kilkis that provides care for elderly residents and people with chronic illnesses. He cited Greece’s aging population as a reason to expand elderly care services, including support for people living with dementia.

Construction of the 50-bed facility began in 2006, but it took two decades to complete. Mitsotakis described its opening as the end of a longstanding problem for the area. The home currently has 38 residents.

The prime minister also inspected work on a new highway linking Thessaloniki and Kilkis, a project expected to be completed in spring 2027. His tour included visits to two local businesses, a mushroom producer and a manufacturer of road infrastructure.

Speaking to residents, Mitsotakis said his government was delivering on promises made to the region in 2023. He also pledged to seek funding for improvements to the village’s middle and high school under the Marietta Giannakou school renovation program.