“We serve one and only one thing: our national interest, the interest of the Greek economy and society”, emphasized today (21.11.2025) the Minister of Development Takis Theodorikakosspeaking at OPEN, referring to Elefsina Shipyards and the recent meeting with US Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle.
“Three years ago, the USA, through the state development bank, DFC, concluded a bond loan of 125 million euros with ONEX, as a result of which the Elefsina Shipyards took off, thousands of people started working, giving a new perspective to the Greek shipbuilding industry”, pointed out Takis Theodorikakos.
The minister clarified that “ONEX requested that the area that has already been granted to it, which includes hundreds of acres that can be used, can also have port, transport, transit and energy activities. With the legislative regulation of the Ministry of Development, we give ONEX the right to be able to put it into practice. Obviously, this is in the interest of the US and is for the benefit of the Greek economy, Greek workers, the development of the country and is a national strategy.”
Mr. Theodorikakos, in a question about the announcement of the Chinese embassyhe also underlined that “the agreements of the Greek state are given, they are strictly observed and there is not the slightest issue with the port of Piraeus”. No one can impose any kind of conditions on us. We believe that it is useful and beneficial to further develop the area granted to the ONEX Shipyard and that is what we are doing. We do not give explanations to anyone, except to the Greek Parliament. Our job is the interest of the Greek people, Greek entrepreneurship and the workers”.
For the new Consumer Protection and Market Supervision Authority emphasized the importance of being independent and not a mechanism subordinate to the respective government. He pointed out that he will have a governor and three deputy governors with a five-year term – away from political circles – with power, digital tools to be able to do their job effectively, with controls to uphold legality and protect consumers. He even called on all opposition parties and society to support this reform. He also reminded that for four years there was the law on the ceiling on the profit margin and that “we respected it, we imposed 20 million euros in fines in the last 1.5 years, but the market cannot work only in this way”.
For listing the initial and final price on the productsMr. Theodorikakos replied that “I believe in the informed consumer, because he has power and must use it. When phenomena of great speculation are observed, the Minister of Development, with ministerial decisions, will have the right to compel supermarkets to list the original price as well, so that the consumer can judge”.
Finally, for the OPEKEPE case reiterated the message of “transparency everywhere, for everyone and everything. This is the timeless attitude of my faction and mine. The OPEKEPE scandal must be investigated to the end, those who allegedly committed illegal acts, brought to justice and the State collect back the money they received. Only in this way will the trust of the Greek people in the institutions be restored”.