Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis held a meeting with PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis on Wednesday, their first encounter since the socialist party assumed the role of Greece’s main opposition.
While Mitsotakis did not address the press afterward, government sources described the talks as “productive and sincere,” emphasizing the importance of opening a communication channel between the prime minister and the leader of the main opposition.
The discussion, the same sources said, covered foreign policy, the demographic challenge, the housing crisis, and an initial exchange of views on constitutional reform.
Androulakis: “Consensus takes two, like a tango”
Speaking to reporters, Androulakis stressed that achieving political consensus on critical matters requires effort from both sides.
“Consensus takes two, like a tango,” he remarked, effectively placing the onus on the government to foster collaboration.
Androulakis noted that the meeting addressed a wide range of issues, including inflation, banking concerns, and national issues, including relations with Turkey.
Mitsotakis: Communication with opposition parties is a necessity
Before retreating for the majority of their meeting behind closed doors, the two leaders exchanged pleasantries in front of the cameras, presenting an image of diplomacy and cordiality.
“I am very happy that we are given the opportunity to hold this meeting in your new capacity. Let me congratulate you first and officially, as now you are also a state actor,” said Mitsotakis.
He argued that communication with opposition parties is a necessity: “Obviously it is not the job of the opposition to agree with the government, it would be very strange if that happened with great frequency, but I think we have an obligation to have an open channel of communication.”
Androulakis echoed similar notes, stating, “I think the only way to move forward is consensus, but with an honest dialogue where we will put the real facts of the challenges and see, each one from his ideological point of view, how he can contribute.”
Mitsotakis and Androulakis have a contentious relationship
The two men have had a contentious relationship over the past few years, more than once sparring in parliament. Androulakis has also repeatedly critiqued the New Democracy government and specifically Mitsotakis in regards to the wiretapping scandal in which he was targeted.
The wiretapping scandal had rocked the conservative government of Mitsotakis in 2022-23. He was under pressure to reveal who – if not the prime minister himself- was responsible for tapping the phones of politicians and journalists.
Mitsotakis has maintained that he did not know that Greek intelligence service (EYP) was phone tapping, despite the fact that EYP became under his personal control in 2019 when he assumed office.
Opposition parties said that he is incapable of running the country if he is unaware of what intelligence services do on his behalf. Many pondered the question: Who really runs Greece?
The latest lawsuit on the scandal filed by Androulakis was forwarded to the Prosecutor’s Office of the Supreme Court this week.
Androulakis proposed this week imposing a one-time tax on Greek banks following their strong profit performance during the first nine months of 2024.
In a post on social media on Tuesday, stated: “Now that the banks have entered a phase of strong profitability the time has come for a portion of these benefits for the banking system to also go to the Greek taxpayer.”
PASOK’s leader added: “We are undertaking a significant political initiative with the submission of an amendment for an extraordinary levy of 5 percent on bank profits. Profits that derive from the low deposit rates, high loan rates but also high fees and commissions for the citizens’ everyday transactions.”
The proposal was rejected by Mitsotakis.