Kyriakos Mitsotakis Sworn in as Greek PM, Pledges Reforms

NEW ERA BEGINSKyriakos Mitsotakis Sworn in as Greek PM, Pledges Reforms

Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the leader of New Democracy (ND), was officially sworn in on Monday afternoon as the Prime Minister of Greece following his party’s election victory. Mitsotakis expressed his gratitude for the mandate to form a government and acknowledged the weight of “responsibility” on his shoulders. His goal now is to establish a single-party government and initiate significant changes and reforms during his four-year term.

“It is a special honor to receive this mandate to form a government with a four-year horizon,” said Mitsotakis on Monday morning while receiving the mandate from the Greek president, Katerina Sakellaropoulou.

*Kyriakos Mitsotakis Sworn in as Greek PM, Pledges Reforms. | Photo: Reuters*

With a parliamentary majority and a strong mandate, Mitsotakis emphasized that his government would focus on practical results and hard work. He recognized the resilience of Greek democracy, highlighting that the eight-party Parliament signaled the decline of simple proportional representation.

*Kyriakos Mitsotakis with Greek President, Katerina Sakellaropoulou | Photo: Reuters*

President Katerina Sakellaropoulou commended the democratic process. She stated that “our democracy proved resilient” and wished Mitsotakis success in his endeavors. New Democracy secured an impressive victory, obtaining 40.5 percent of the votes, while other parties such as SYRIZA, PASOK, and the Communist Party followed with varying percentages.

Mitsotakis, recognizing the broad support received, declared that major reforms would be swiftly implemented. He outlined ambitious goals to transform Greece, including substantial investment in the public health system and improving railway safety after a tragic train collision earlier in the year.

International leaders, including US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron, congratulated Mitsotakis on his re-election. Biden highlighted the shared priorities of fostering prosperity and regional security, emphasizing the strong partnership between Greece and the United States.

“On behalf of the people of the United States, I send our congratulations to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis of Greece on his reelection,” said Biden in a statement.

“Together—as Allies, partners, and friends—Greece and the United States have championed democracy,” he continued.

“We will keep working with the government and people of Greece as well as our vibrant Greek-American community in the United States to continue this legacy,” the US president added.

French President, Emmanuel Macron meanwhile promised cooperation towards “a stronger and more sovereign Europe,” while Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani praised Mitsotakis’s re-election “a sign of political stability that is good for the whole of Europe”.

Mitsotakis faces a weakened and fragmented opposition, with SYRIZA suffering a significant defeat. While the ruling ND party has secured a dominant position with 158 seats in Parliament, Mitsotakis will need to navigate the influence of fringe parties, such as the Spartans, Greek Solution, and Niki, who have gained representation and could exert pressure on various issues.

As Mitsotakis embarks on his second term, his focus on reforms and transformative policies aims to steer Greece toward a prosperous future while maintaining stability and addressing the challenges ahead.