Mitsotakis on CNN: We can not rely solely on the US for protection – 2024-07-16 02:20:24

Requested to touch upon the issues expressed about Joe Biden, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, talking to CNN’s Julia Chatterley, replied that what he can say is that the American president was current on the NATO summit, he had a great presence, he was positioned for essential points and finally the American election is a matter for the Americans to determine. As as to if he had any dialog with him he mentioned that that they had spoken, however that in a session like this there’s clearly not sufficient time to say a lot with the host, who was nonetheless nice as all the time.

He mentioned he was not within the room when the US president confused Ukrainian Prime Minister Zelensky with Putin, solely to appropriate it instantly afterwards, however he understands the confusion over such incidents that may occur.

Concerning Ukraine, the prime minister identified that it was clear within the context of the assembly that the nation’s path to becoming a member of NATO is “irreversible”, as is the assist offered by the member nations, bilaterally and throughout the framework of the Alliance.

He additionally identified that it has grow to be clear that the NATO alliance is stronger than ever, with 32 members and a dedication by extra members to spend 2% of GDP on protection spending. He identified that Greece has allotted shut to three% of its GDP for years and is glad to see that different nations that didn’t maintain their commitments at the moment are doing so and being constant.

He additionally emphasised that we can not rely solely on the USA for protection, we as Europe should additionally spend extra and promote Europe’s strategic autonomy as a result of this can even contribute to the strengthening of NATO.

He emphasised that we really must spend smarter on protection, that at the very least 2% of GDP ought to go to protection spending, and possibly that is not sufficient in a altering geopolitical panorama.

He added that after the struggle in Ukraine, European nations should acknowledge that these bills are needed, but in addition that along with the nationwide price range, we should additionally be capable of discuss European protection the place European cash shall be allotted. “We have to assume severely concerning the protection sector and have this dialogue on the European stage,” the prime minister mentioned, referring to the proposal he has made with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk to create a standard European anti-aircraft defend.

Concerning the rise of nationalist events as occurred in France and the problem this could convey to decision-making on the European stage, Kyriakos Mitsotakis identified that the centrist events have a majority within the European Parliament, which can also be confirmed by the election of Ursula von der Leyen for a brand new time period within the European Fee and underlined that the fears of the rise of the acute proper on the European stage could also be exaggerated. He acknowledged on the identical time that the the explanation why residents flip to such events akin to their concern concerning the rising value of dwelling, or immigration are there though the solutions supplied by these events are simplistic and it’s left to our personal events to supply convincing and actual options to actual issues.

For tourism and to what extent Greece and the surroundings can “carry” their weight the prime minister mentioned that individuals who come to Greece have a great time that is why they arrive again however it’s our accountability to make sure that our tourism business is protected in opposition to local weather change and it’s a precedence to increase the vacationer season in order that not all vacationers collect on our islands in July and August.
Greece doesn’t have an overtourism drawback, maybe extra individuals collect on sure islands throughout July and August and there’s a dedication to strengthening the infrastructure so that every one guests can take pleasure in their holidays. We collect vital investments and these are used for the higher growth of our tourism business.

In regards to the headlines in overseas media for the institution “six days’ work” in our nation, the prime minister replied that in Greece there isn’t a such concern and work is 5 days, whereas staff can work 4 days, adjusting their schedule. It clarified that in sure industries, that are restricted and function 24/7, the six-day work have to be determined by settlement with the worker and vital extra pay
The working day in Greece is 5 days and this isn’t going to vary, assured the prime minister, whereas the safety of employees’ rights is one thing that’s taken very severely.