Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has used Greece's Independence Day parade to deliver a pointed message on rearmament, declaring that investment in national defence "is not a luxury but a necessity" as Europe navigates one of its most turbulent periods since World War II.
Speaking moments after the end of the annual March 25 parade in central Athens — which featured both the iconic evzone presidential guard and advanced drone systems — Mr. Mitsotakis said the display should leave every Greek feeling pride in the country's armed forces.
"We live in extraordinarily turbulent times," Mr. Mitsotakis said. "A strong deterrent capability is essential for Greece to project its national power — as a country that protects not only its own borders but also, in practice, the Greek community of Cyprus."
The prime minister went further, arguing that military strength alone is insufficient.
He called for national unity as a strategic asset, urging Greeks to distinguish between core national interests — on which consensus is essential — and political disagreements, which he said should remain confined to the domestic arena.
Mr. Mitsotakis's remarks carry weight at a moment when EU leaders are under pressure to accelerate defence spending following Russia's war in Ukraine and shifting signals from Washington on NATO commitments.
Greece already spends among the highest proportions of GDP on defence in the alliance.
The prime minister closed with a message to Greeks living abroad, saying their celebrations were shared from Athens.
"Despite the difficulties we face, Greece is a country moving steadily and boldly forward," he said.