ND leader Mitsotakis: Strong growth means strong Greece

New Democracy (ND) leader asked for a strong mandate in order to be able to proceed with the reforms programme and the tax reductions, speaking to SKAI TV late Friday.

"In September the government will vote the draft state budget and the tax reduction will start in January 2020" Mitsotakis said adding that he will meet with Greece's European partners, after the reforms have progressed, to negotiate the reduction of the primary surpluses. He also said that in the last four years the economy is underperforming adding that "The growth rates should be based on investments. More incentives for the entrepreneurs to invest".

Mitsotakis reiterated that there will be no layoffs in the public sector and there will be no additional cuts on the pensions adding that his aim is also the invigoration of the real estate market.

Referring to the public sector he referred to targeted hirings in the health and the education while 1,500 will be hired in the police.

ND leader said that he will continue to talk with the society to explain two things. Why strong growth means strong Greece and why the citizens must participate in the elections. "I ask from the citizens to participate in the election procedure. If the government does not have a strong mandate then we will have new adventures".

Referring to the TV debate, Mitsotakis said that he respects and does not underestimate any opponent adding that the debates are held with all the political leaders present.

On the national issues and the relations with Ankara, Mitsotakis said that Greece and Turkey must live together in a framework of mutual agreement, respect to the international law and to the neighbourly relations. "We have good allies and also with ally the international law we will address Turkey with good intentions and with self-confidence. We will attempt an approach of agreement with Turkey but in a framework non-negotiable. This also refers to the wider region, Albania will have no European prospect if it does not respect the rights of the Greek minority" Mitsotakis explained.