Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis declared that time until the 2027 national election favors his government, as he set out regional development plans in Western Macedonia.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with media outlet e-ptolemaios and journalist Antonis Pougaridis during an official tour of the northern region, Mitsotakis stated that the period leading up to spring 2027 allows his ruling New Democracy party to explain its policy accomplishments to the electorate.
Mitsotakis asserted that the remaining political timeline will highlight confusion, empty promises, and incompetence within opposition ranks. He specifically criticized the center-left PASOK party led by Nikos Androulakis over recent parliamentary votes. Mitsotakis pointed out that PASOK declined to vote for Yannis Stournaras as Governor of the Bank of Greece, but chose to vote for Elena Akrita as Vice-President of Parliament. He claimed this vote signaled alignment with political factions that nearly brought Greece to financial ruin a decade ago.
Transition funding for former coal mining regions
Addressing energy policy, Mitsotakis stated that lignite coal is no longer economically competitive due to rising carbon dioxide emission costs. He declared that anyone asserting otherwise is lying to local communities, adding that the phase-out of brown coal power generation was an inevitable economic process.
Western Macedonia has historically served as Greece's industrial energy hub, relying heavily on lignite extraction. To support the area through the energy transition, Mitsotakis highlighted the Fair Development Transition Program. He stated that his administration secured over 1 billion euros through this dedicated funding mechanism to construct infrastructure and create new commercial opportunities across the region.
The primary goal of the transition program is to generate a greater number of high-paying jobs than the employment lost as traditional coal power plants gradually close down.
Motorway infrastructure and private sector investment
Turning to transport infrastructure, Mitsotakis announced that the Egnatia Motorway will receive 300 million euros in new investment over the next two years following a change in concessionaire. He noted that the major highway was built decades ago and suffered from severe neglect during Greece's economic crisis, when no upgrades were performed.
The Egnatia Motorway, known officially as the A2 highway, forms the primary east-west transport corridor across northern Greece. Mitsotakis explained that upcoming construction work will create supplementary jobs across Epirus, Central Macedonia, and Western Macedonia. He added that improving the highway will enhance Western Macedonia's overall attractiveness for private capital investment.
Mitsotakis identified abundant available land as a key competitive advantage for Western Macedonia. He highlighted an investment by business manager Mr. Theodoropoulos of agricultural producer Wonderplant, who established operations in the region after recognizing its land resources.
Demographic initiatives and livestock farming support
Addressing demographic decline, Mitsotakis acknowledged that Greece and wider Europe face low birth rates without simple remedies. He stated that his primary concern is keeping residents in regional areas by ensuring national economic growth extends into every corner of the country.
Mitsotakis stated that if voters grant New Democracy a third four-year governing term, his objective will be for all citizens to receive a dividend from Greece's overall economic recovery.
To keep residents in regional areas, Mitsotakis stressed the need to create jobs linked to local comparative advantages, such as livestock farming in the Pindus mountain range. He noted that livestock farming in Pindus had declined significantly over time. He pledged that supporting livestock farmers, rebuilding animal herds, and attracting young workers to agriculture will represent a major ambition during the next governing term.
Rural enterprise and regional healthcare services
During his tour, Mitsotakis visited a local cheese production facility in the region. He explained that increasing feta cheese production depends directly on expanding local milk supplies and growing livestock herds.
Mitsotakis calculated that current milk prices allow a farmer managing a herd of 200 animals to earn a strong income from milk sales alone, excluding state subsidies. He argued that fostering mountain tourism and supporting small wineries will help prevent rural villages from turning into communities populated solely by retirees.
He emphasized that regional retention also requires accessible public services, including local education and healthcare. Mitsotakis noted that the government has already constructed numerous health centers across Western Macedonia, and confirmed that formal regional plans are now in place for every regional unit in Greece.
Public works track record and Kozani hospital
Referencing infrastructure commitments, Mitsotakis highlighted the Thessaloniki Metro project, noting that he attended ceremonies in Greece's second city the previous day to deliver five new stations on the Kalamaria extension line. He contrasted his administration's completed public works with past political opponents who held unveilings in front of painted tarpaulins and are now seeking a political comeback.
Mitsotakis asserted that delivering on election promises serves as a stamp on a passport of credibility. He noted that he will outline detailed economic plans for the coming year and a broader vision for Greece leading to 2030 at the upcoming Thessaloniki International Fair. Citing the completion of the E65 highway, also known as the Central Greece Motorway, Mitsotakis argued that fulfilling past pledges gives residents confidence that planned road projects, including an extension to Xyno Nero, will also be constructed.
Mitsotakis announced that the new Mamatsio Hospital in Kozani will be ready before the end of 2026. He explained that the modern medical center replaces a facility dating back to the 1950s, adding that the government has secured 23 million euros to renovate the original hospital building.
