Greek government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis declared that New Democracy will seek an absolute majority while leaving open a potential coalition with PASOK.
Speaking on the ERTnews television program Sto Kentro, Marinakis outlined the financial strategy behind policy announcements delivered by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the Thessaloniki International Fair, stating that the administration operates on the principle of distributing only what available resources allow.
He noted that further support measures could be introduced if additional revenues are collected without raising taxes, adding that permanent relief depends on expanding national output and enforcing spending limits.
Marinakis highlighted economic progress under the current administration, citing the creation of roughly 600,000 jobs, an increase in investment from 10 percent to 17.5 percent of gross domestic product, and a doubling of exports from 20 percent to 40 percent of output.
He stated that 91 tax rates have been lowered or abolished since New Democracy took office, including measures scheduled for implementation in 2027.
Inflation and Income Tax Adjustments
Acknowledging that inflation remains a persistent burden on households and businesses, Marinakis pointed to specific pressures surrounding supermarket prices, housing costs, and commercial energy expenses.
He explained that the government rejected broad reductions in value added tax because every single percentage point cut costs approximately 1 billion euros, prompting officials to focus on direct tax cuts that offer greater assistance to middle class and low income citizens.
He added that 25 targeted value added tax reductions have already been enacted across specific product categories.
The spokesman stated that income tax rates dropped from 29 percent in 2019 to 22 percent before reaching the current 20 percent level.
Under plans taking effect on January 1, 2027, the income tax rate will fall to 18 percent for families with one child, 16 percent for two children, and zero percent for families with three or more children.
Political Debates and Allowance Reforms
Addressing comparisons with economic support provided by previous prime minister Alexis Tsipras, Marinakis noted that the current government pays retirees 400 euros on a permanent basis while cutting taxes, contrasting this with the 23 tax increases introduced under the prior administration.
He criticized Tsipras for seeking to reinvent his political identity, asserting that individuals who repeatedly mislead the public cannot expect past actions to be erased from memory.
Regarding social benefits, Marinakis confirmed that the state intends to preserve permanent support such as maternity and disability payments.
However, he offered a personal assessment that unemployment benefits should be capped at two months and restructured from scratch, allowing funds to be redirected toward lowering social security contributions and subsidizing active employment.
Coalition Prospects and Cabinet Conduct
Turning to electoral strategy, Marinakis reiterated that securing a parliamentary majority is the only practical path to stable governance for New Democracy, while acknowledging that current polling leaves a gap that must be closed through hard work and humility.
Should New Democracy emerge as the largest party without a majority, he stated that the government would explore coalition options, identifying PASOK as the sole political party with which dialogue could take place.
He dismissed the concept of a coalition among opposition parties as a government of losers that would prove deeply damaging to the country.
Marinakis criticized PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis for ruling out cooperation, pointing out that PASOK had signed a parliamentary motion of censure alongside Zoe Konstantopoulou of Course of Freedom and declined to support Bank of Greece Governor Yannis Stournaras.
He also noted that PASOK had formally adopted a conference resolution, promoted by Athens Mayor Haris Doukas, rejecting any partnership with New Democracy.
On criticisms regarding government arrogance during events in Thessaloniki, Marinakis conceded that politicians must remain mindful of their demeanor, acknowledging that individual missteps harm the standing of the administration.
Internal Relations and Defense Milestones
Marinakis effectively ruled out future collaboration with former prime minister Antonis Samaras if Samaras establishes a separate political movement, questioning how Samaras could suddenly condemn the government across health, defense, and economic sectors after earlier backing its direction.
He defended the government record on security and diplomacy, highlighting Exclusive Economic Zone agreements signed with Italy and Egypt, the extension of Greek territorial waters in the Ionian Sea, and major military procurement programs.
On border control, Marinakis cited an 80 percent drop in migrant arrivals and noted that the population of state facilities across North Aegean islands fell from 51,000 in 2019 to 3,000 today.
Addressing public security, he acknowledged that the initial setup of the university police was one of the major missteps of the government's first term, adding that officers were subsequently deployed to operational police units while campus squatter occupations are now cleared more rapidly.
Social Policy and Foreign Diplomacy
Commentating on social policy, Marinakis stated that legislation granting civil marriage and adoption rights to same sex couples had no relation to a woke agenda, affirming that the state continues to recognize traditional roles of father and mother alongside two biological genders.
He conceded that prolonged political debate over the law created friction among traditional conservative supporters of New Democracy, while reiterating that all family structures receive equal legal rights under Greek law.
Regarding Greek Turkish relations, Marinakis observed a recent rise in regional tension but emphasized that he foresees no risk of major escalation.
He asserted that Greece remains stronger than ever and reiterated that the sole bilateral issue recognized by Athens is the delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone and continental shelf under international law.
He added that a potential meeting between Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during the United Nations General Assembly in New York is not currently scheduled but remains possible.
Extremism, Digital Rules, and Future Plans
On the topic of far right political movements and potential election candidates linked to Ilias Kasidiaris, Marinakis noted that the legal framework permits judicial intervention, with the Areios Pagos Supreme Court holding ultimate responsibility for candidate qualification.
He argued that the most effective response to political extremism involves resolving economic hardship and combating online disinformation.
Marinakis also advocated for legal tools allowing law enforcement agencies to identify social media users directly to counter online harassment and protect children, without ending general public anonymity.
Addressing younger voters, he observed that many feel disconnected from political institutions due to past governance choices, stressing that any forward looking vision must be established on truth.
Closing on his personal career, Marinakis confirmed his intention to run for parliament in the Northern Sector of Athens, stating that he views his primary profession as a practicing lawyer because politics should not be treated as a career.
