Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has reaffirmed at a presidential reception that no elections would be held this autumn, telling political leaders his government intends to serve its full four-year term with a vote set for spring 2027.
The reception, held at the Presidential Mansion to mark the 52nd anniversary of the restoration of democracy, drew some 1,700 guests and was moved to the building's second floor because of severe weather.
Mr. Mitsotakis, greeting President Konstantinos Tasoulas as they entered, remarked, "The rain spoiled things a bit for us."
According to sources, President Tasoulas held informal talks with party leaders in which he indicated the prime minister was "sincere" in committing to a May election.
Attendees, including government ministers and opposition lawmakers, were said to be relieved at the confirmation, easing months of speculation about an early vote.
The talks also touched on the return of the Parthenon Marbles, with Britain's prime minister said to favor their repatriation to Greece — a position Mr. Mitsotakis reportedly endorsed.
Elsewhere at the event, Communist Party general secretary Dimitris Koutsoumbas quipped that he "preferred green" when asked about the reception's altered format, prompting PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis to joke about the color's political connotations.
Mr. Koutsoumbas later remarked that the gathering's makeup "reminds me of opposition principles."
The absence of former Attica governor Rena Dourou from the reception was also discussed, with attendees noting it was each individual's right to decide whether to attend.