Μαρινάκης: «Για εμάς είναι εμβληματικής σημασίας να αλλάξει το άρθρο 16 του Συντάγματος»

During a briefing for political reporters, government spokesman Παύλος Μαρινάκης addressed the Council of State’s decision regarding private universities, the preliminary investigation committee, and developments in the Middle East.

He stated, “The Council of State’s ruling on Article 16 marks a pivotal moment in one of the most significant reforms in our country since the transition. With this reform, the government is making history—something we would have achieved sooner had the PASOK party not made a historical pivot at that time. The statements from opposition leaders are out of touch with reality. The StE’s ruling is yet another resounding denial of the opposition. Unfortunately, there is a lack of serious opposition in the country. At times, our political system seems to revolve solely around us; we’ve become almost unique, like Cuba. Under Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s government, there won’t be any more missed opportunities. Every child wishing to study in their own country will have that chance,” he emphasized while responding to questions regarding the establishment of private universities.

He also remarked that “changing Article 16 is of fundamental importance for us, and we hope that this time, PASOK and other parties will agree. This will be one of the main proposals for constitutional revision. History has shown that our country cannot afford more lost years.” The government spokesman added that among the 13 universities that have applied, four are ranked higher than Greek universities.

When asked whether the Prime Minister would address the parliamentary process concerning any potential criminal liabilities of former minister Costas Karamanlis, Mr. Marinakis indicated that the Prime Minister’s program is announced the day before and noted that the New Democracy parliamentary group is the most cohesive group during this second four-year term. “The other 154 MPs (excluding Karamanlis) will support this proposal and debunk those spreading unfounded rumors,” he stated.

Regarding Greek diplomacy’s handling of the Israel-Iran conflict, Mr. Marinakis pointed out, “We do nothing naively or in a piecemeal fashion. All our actions are measured, aimed at de-escalation and ensuring the smooth flow of humanitarian aid; we don’t conduct foreign policy based on slogans. We have a plan, and we don’t currently see our country facing a significant risk, but we are certainly not complacent.”

Addressing concerns about Turkey’s role amidst the new Middle Eastern conflict, the government spokesman stated, “We’re not worried because the country is positioned at its best level.” He added that there is currently no information about a potential meeting between the Prime Minister and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan ahead of next week’s NATO summit in the Netherlands, denying reports of an American initiative for Greek-Turkish dialogue aimed at resolving maritime boundary disputes, stating, “We deny this; it has no basis. No proposal has reached Greece, and we won’t deviate from our stance that disputes will be settled based on international law.”

Regarding the potential founding of new parties by former Prime Ministers Alexis Tsipras and Antonis Samaras, Mr. Marinakis expressed that the government is not concerned, highlighting that “the outcome of the upcoming elections largely depends on our effectiveness. We are the leading country in reducing unemployment in Europe. Politics is politics, and when you’re in government, effectiveness is key. That’s how we will be judged.”

Finally, in response to questions about what actions the government will take if significant price increases occur due to the conflict in the Middle East, the government spokesman responded, “If the increases are unjustified, fines will be imposed. If there’s a need to support citizens in terms of electricity or fuel, as we’ve done before, the state will intervene. However, we are not at that point; we have shown that whenever there is a need, the state will cover those increases.”

We Will Continue Dialogue with Partners and Allies for Peace and Security

The developments in our region raise significant concerns, as yet another crisis adds to an already tumultuous geopolitical landscape. Further escalation in the Middle East poses risks of serious ignitions with far-reaching consequences,” said government spokesman Παύλος Μαρινάκης as he began the briefing. “From the outset, we have stood by our citizens in Israel and Iran, providing all possible assistance. We closely monitor developments, engaging with countries in the region, as well as partners and allies, with the aim of de-escalation. The last thing we need is another crisis point.”

He referred to the phone call the Prime Minister had over the weekend with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized that Iran must not acquire a nuclear arsenal. However, he reiterated that the solution must be sought through diplomacy. Additionally, he stressed to his Israeli counterpart the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid.”

He also mentioned that the Prime Minister spoke with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman about the latest developments. They agreed on the need for de-escalation and restraint. He added that “later today, Kyriakos Mitsotakis is expected to speak with King Abdullah II of Jordan and the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.”

“We remain vigilant for Greek citizens in the area,” emphasized Mr. Marinakis. “Greece will continue to engage with partners and allies for the sake of peace and security. The path to regional stability relies on diplomacy.”

He then mentioned his recent meeting with the new president of Yale University, Mori McKinney, at the Maximos Mansion. “Yale is among 63 universities, alongside Harvard, Columbia, and Boston University, whose proposals for collaboration with Greek public universities have been approved by the EΘΑΕ,” he stated, noting that “the meeting was prompted by the joint graduate program titled ‘Global Environmental Sciences and Public Health’ that the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens is launching in collaboration with Yale.”

This collective academic initiative aims to address critical issues at the intersection of environmental science and global public health, combining the academic excellence of both institutions.

Additionally, through a historic decision, the Council of State deemed the Education Ministry’s law for establishing and operating non-profit foreign university departments in Greece constitutional. For years, our country has been an exception, alongside Cuba, due to the ideological beliefs of the left and center-left, which denied Greek students the opportunity to study at a private university without going abroad.

Of the 13 universities that applied, four rank higher than Greek universities, while the others are on par with them. The actions of Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s government have improved the perception of higher education, restoring security at educational institutions as sit-ins were evacuated with the help of the Greek Police, and funding for public universities reached €1 billion.

Private universities will further elevate the level of higher education in Greece, creating opportunities for prospective students, generating additional revenue for the country, creating new jobs, attracting qualified academic staff to our nation, and paving the way for Greeks abroad to return home.

Today starts the home delivery of high-cost medications for any patient wishing for it nationwide. “As Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis emphasized, ‘Today marks one of the biggest changes in health service delivery. This ends the suffering of patients and their relatives in disgraceful queues, whether in heat or cold.’”

Furthermore, the minister announced that interventions would continue, collaborating directly with private pharmacies.

Yesterday marked the deadline for land clearing for this year’s fire prevention period. “Approximately 702,000 declarations were made. This number is a particularly positive indicator, demonstrating the effectiveness of the measure and will contribute to addressing the particularly warm conditions that favor wildfire outbreaks. Moreover, with the help of the Ministry of Interior, nearly 100% of municipalities nationwide successfully registered on the platform, in contrast to just 55% last year. The cleaning of lots is another step in preventing fire outbreaks, especially near urban areas. The goal of the measure is not punishment but encouraging citizens to adopt a culture of prevention, which will support the efforts of the Fire Brigade and aerial monitoring and firefighting resources.”

Furthermore, since 2019, the workforce of the Fire Brigade has increased by around 4,000, reaching 18,000 firefighters—a record number in the history of the Brigade. The upgrades of existing Canadair aircraft are already underway, with the delivery of seven new Canadairs expected to start in 2028, significantly strengthening the country’s aerial fleet. Additionally, 20 Special Forestry Operations Units (EMODE) are now operational, known as ‘forestry commandos,’ comprising 1,600 specialized personnel trained exclusively for combating wildfires.

The Economic Crime Unit is being upgraded and integrated into the AADE, where it will be responsible for conducting inspections. The aim of unifying these auditing mechanisms is to identify the circulation of ‘black’ money, economic crime, tax evasion, and smuggling. This initiative is designed to strengthen and ‘armor’ inspections.

For the Government, the fight against ‘black’ money and tax evasion is a national obligation; thus, it continues to pursue initiatives toward this end.

Moreover, at the behest of Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos, the Interservice Market Control Unit will carry out extraordinary checks on companies and fuel stations for violating the profit cap, which is in effect until June 30.

This decision follows complaints regarding price hikes in the domestic fuel market before new shipments arrived in Greece at current international prices.

Today, at 18:00, Kyriakos Mitsotakis will chair a meeting of the Political Committee of New Democracy at the party’s central offices to elect a new Secretary of the Political Committee. The Prime Minister’s proposal, as New Democracy’s president, is MP Kostas Skrekas from Trikala.