K. Mitsotakis: We have the strength to leave the storm behind

The Prime Minister sends optimistic messages for the new year, through his New Year’s message.

“The passing 2021 reminded every corner of the world how vulnerable we are to events such as pandemics and outbreaks of the climate crisis. He highlighted the importance of supranational coordination. But also the great pitfalls that lie ahead. These are lessons we must learn take advantage of 2022, bringing back to the forefront the ancient virtue of the Greeks: our power to turn problems into opportunities, obstacles into supplies, and this will be, perhaps, the most appropriate price in the 200 years of freedom we have celebrated this year. “They have been a path of successive triumphs and challenges. We will continue on this path of claiming progress.”

The full message of the Prime Minister is as follows:

My fellow citizens,

We leave behind a year full of difficulties, but also great efforts. And we welcome a new one, continuing the same struggle. Because 2021 may close almost as it started: with a pandemic alert and attention to the economy. It has, however, mediated a miracle of science.

Consider that exactly one year ago the first vaccines arrived in Greece. And, today, 80% of Greek adults, 4 out of 5, have chosen to shield their health and protect those they love. While the administration of the third dose, but also the vaccination of children is progressing rapidly.

I know that otherwise we hoped to spend the New Year. The “O” mutation, however, is now sweeping the entire planet. It has a very high transmissibility. But it also seems to cause lower morbidity.

All states are facing this dynamic phenomenon. With tens of thousands of cases, but also fewer hospitalizations. While, especially in our country, we are experiencing the transition from the mutation “D” to “O”, which has different characteristics and rhythms of manifestation.

This is the reason why our interventions do not remain rigid, but are adapted over time to the data. With a plan for market movement, social behavior and the resilience of health structures. So, after all, we managed to avoid lockdowns and already celebrate Christmas normally.

Now, however, we welcome the New Year, unfortunately with some restrictions on entertainment, because that’s what the experts tell us we should do. Let the company of those we love be the best substitute for the music we will not hear these days.

I feel the fatigue and anxiety that overshadows everyone’s daily life. But I also know well the abilities of our people. Thanks to them, in the past year, the losses that hit us, did not defeat us. And for that, a big thank you belongs, first and foremost, to the front-line fighters of our hospitals.

While, at the same time, the Economy and Society remained standing. The State promoted a gigantic support program. And it was what allowed us, in the wake of the health storm, to shield incomes. To have an increase of our National Product. Achieve the greatest reduction in unemployment in Europe. And I pledge that we will again stand by those who will be affected by the new restrictions.

I will not hide, however, behind favorable indicators and numbers. It is certain that in the successive battles with the virus there were also failures. And that the country’s prosperity takes time to reach the average wallet. Much more so when the global energy crisis is knocking on our door at the same time.

However, as much as I am sure that our previous steps were not self-evident, I also believe that the next ones will take us to the clearing. That is why I can promise one thing: that the government and I personally will be here, on the side of every Greek, of every Greek woman. Correcting our mistakes. Listening to your voices. And giving solutions, whenever and wherever needed.

During 2021, the national challenges were not few. And to these, however, we responded with prudence of determination. The national defense was strengthened as never before. And multilateral international cooperation agreements already give our country a key role in the Mediterranean.

And all this, has been done and is always done with the eyes of the citizen. Because taxes are still falling. The weakest are strengthened. Major public works are being put into practice. The Digital State serves everyday life. Education and Work are being modernized. While public safety is gradually improving. In other words, Greece is changing, despite the adventure it is experiencing.

Even that, however, is not enough. I feel that, as expectations are high, difficulties are often underestimated. The uncertain present also makes us forget the dark past. On the other hand, there are no simple solutions to complex problems. Especially when these are unprecedented and require constant adjustment.

That is why, after all, everywhere in the world, the same phenomena are observed and, more or less, the same measures are applied. So, the boat can move forward but the storm does not stop hitting it. That is why I will say again that our steering wheel will have only one compass: the citizen. And our action will be driven by a single verb: the verb “I try”.

My fellow citizens,

The passing 2021 reminded every corner of the world how vulnerable we are to events such as pandemics and outbreaks of the climate crisis. He highlighted the importance of supranational coordination. But also the big traps that lurk in our way.

These are lessons we must learn in 2022, bringing back to the forefront the ancient virtue of the Greeks: our power to turn problems into opportunities. Obstacles to supplies. And that will be, perhaps, the most fitting honor in the 200 years of freedom we have celebrated this year. After all, they too were a path of successive triumphs and challenges.

We will continue on this path of claiming progress.

Protecting public health with flexible “O” policies. Which should worry us, but without panicking us.

Vaccinated, especially with the booster dose. Doing a lot, often testing. And observing the basic precautions, starting with the correct use of the right mask.

At the same time, however, we will insist on the trajectory of major changes, which increase public wealth. And with it, the income of employees. In other words, in the policy of “Development for All”. Which means a better life. With a lot of investment and even more jobs.

The coming weeks will bring ripples. We do, however, have the strength to let go of the storm, leading our country to calm waters. So that in the winter of uncertainty the spring of hope may follow. As long as we stay united, mature and careful.

Closing our ears to catastrophe and defeatism so that only the voice of science and truth can be heard. And, of course, following the recommendations of the State and the experts. Such an attitude will be the best gift to ourselves and those around us. But also the best preface for the new, most promising chapter of 2022.

With these thoughts I wish a Happy New Year to every Greek man and woman, everywhere in the country and in the world. With health and strength, with confidence and optimism.