Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis has confirmed that Greece's next national elections will be held in 2027, saying the government intends to serve its full four-year term and dismissing the practice of calling snap elections during favorable polling periods as out of step with modern political norms.
Speaking in a television interview with ONE, Mr. Marinakis said the exact date would fall "on a Sunday in 2027," and that the government plans to use every remaining day in office to advance its agenda, citing upgrades to health centers and hospitals, school renovations under the "Marietta Giannakou" program, the upcoming launch of non-state universities following regulatory approval, and the extension of the Thessaloniki Metro to Kalamaria.
On the economy, Mr. Marinakis acknowledged that rising prices, including rents, remain the top concern for the middle class and lower-income households, but ruled out administrative price controls or immediate elimination of inflation.
He said the government's strategy centers on raising incomes faster than prices rise, calling anyone who promises continued growth alongside falling prices a "political fraud."
He linked the government's approach to reducing public debt as a share of GDP, achieving budget surpluses and increasing state revenue without introducing new taxes, crediting economic growth, job creation and reduced tax evasion for recent revenue gains.
Mr. Marinakis left open the possibility of further tax relief for the middle class and small businesses ahead of the Thessaloniki International Fair, citing potential further cuts to corporate tax rates and advance tax payment requirements, with final decisions to be made by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
Responding to opposition criticism over the number of political appointees and direct government contracts, Mr. Marinakis said appointee numbers are slightly lower than in 2019, with recorded increases tied to local government hires requested by mayors across the political spectrum.
On direct contracts, he said their total value represents roughly 4% of all government projects and contracts.
On the 2027 elections, Mr. Marinakis reiterated New Democracy's goal of winning an outright majority, dismissing any potential post-election alliance with PASOK given what he called the party's shift toward "easy promises" under its current leadership, while also calling discussion of a possible new party led by Antonis Samaras premature.