Greek Shipping Minister Vasilis Kikipias stresses reforms ahead of snap election

Minister Vasilis Kikipias said the investments, reforms and fiscal cuts introduced by the New Democracy government must continue despite multiple crises such as the pandemic, wars and the energy shock. He argued the upcoming election result will depend on the party’s relationship with citizens rather than the number or type of parties that contest the vote, adding that "elections are decided by our serious work, not by new parties". He reiterated the party’s strategy of focusing on the first ballot, expressed confidence in single‑party governments and warned against defeatism, stating that "elections are fought with actions, not words". Kikipias declined to comment on any possible new party by former prime minister Antonis Samaras. On foreign policy, he emphasized that critical decisions are taken by negotiators, pledging to defend Greece’s maritime rights, islands and exclusive economic zone. He praised the Coast Guard’s role in combating illegal migration and fishing and said Greece is not intimidated by any Turkish provocations.