“Our goal is a Greece that is now moving united and builds tomorrow with confidence and justice”
Our goal is “a Greece that is moving united today and builds tomorrow with confidence and justice”the prime minister points out Kyriakos Mitsotakis In an interview with the Peloponnese newspaper. It states that the completion of the Patras-Pyrgos motorway is the beginning of a wider development plan for Western Greece, stressing that the government is focusing on the three prefectures of the region-Achaia, Ilia and Aitoloakarnania-with targeted public and public investment.
Underlining that Western Greece is changing a page with plan, investments and projects that already bear fruit, it says that the completion of the Patras – Pyrgos motorway on November 30 is a “break” for the area, with multiple benefits in tourism, economy and accessibility, as well as the springboard.
THE Prime Minister announces the modernization of Araxos Airport, assures that the Ports of Patras and Katolis For the development of the cruise as well as that autumn will announce from Patras 420 interventions included in local development plans, focusing on enhancing the productive base, innovation and regional convergence. “There are no inferior regions,” he says, assuring that the government’s goal is to have the same opportunities in his place. As the prime minister points out, in the field of employment the whole country has taken very important steps but Western Greece has made a big leap: I remind you that unemployment from 26.6% in 2019 is moving to 10% this year. That is, it has reduced by 15.6%, a rate of twice as much as the whole country. “
In detail in his interview with the Peloponnese newspaper, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis states:
Q: Patras – Pyrgos on November 30 is completed and, indeed, “a great pending closes”, as you said. Western Greece, however, is far behind in need of other public investment and private. What is the planning of the government? What to expect?
A: Indeed, the feeling that Western Greece is left behind is the reason why this government has turned its attention to its three prefectures. Achaia, Ilia and Aitoloakarnania have natural beauty, rich historical and cultural heritage and a strong productive base. With the right design already implemented, these advantages can be made of growth.
The lead of this course is, of course, the operation of the Patras-Pyrgos motorway. A project that reduces distances, enhances security and facilitates accessibility. So, as it did with Ionia Road, its fingerprint in tourism and the economy is expected. Bringing residents of the area closer to markets and services. But first and foremost, the opportunities they deserve. This is also our goal: a Greece that today is moving united and builds tomorrow with confidence and justice.
This emblematic intervention, however, is only the beginning. Because in collaboration with the Self -Government, they are taking significant actions with the central aim of enhancing productive activity. I mention, for example, the upgrade of the motorway connections to the Patras Industrial AreaI with Araxos Airport, which, after all, will soon be modernized and It will be used along with the remaining 21 regional airports.
The competition for the underlying cruise activity in the ports of Katakolos and Patras is also evolving. In the second, in fact, the marina is already completed and the Masterplan is “running”. At the same time, tourist ports are moving forward in the wider area of Western Greece.
All that are not accidental. The best connections of ports to distribution centers open new opportunities in manufacturing, logistics and industry, attracting investment and creating the framework to install even more businesses here. And, at the same time, small and large local projects change the image of the place and the daily life of its inhabitants.
At the same time, of course, the Region faces many challenges, with the first climate change. Thus, in all three prefectures, interventions on flood protection and water, waste and waste management. We therefore accelerate the implementation of the drainage management plans associated with the primary sector, as well as the risk management plans related to the safety of our fellow citizens and their property.
Q: All studies (IOBE, BoG, ELIAMEP, Regional Competitiveness Index – RCI etc) show that despite the positive overall growth rates of the country, there are still serious deviations in a number of regions. Among them in Western Greece. What is your strategy for enhancing regional convergence and covering inequalities? As a government you are preparing the local development plan for Achaia. When do you intend to come to present it and what projects or interventions are planned?
A: In the autumn, the local development plans for Western Greece will be presented, including 420 interventions. While at the end of the year we will announce our full national strategy. It should be said here that local interventions are no longer prioritized by the central government, as it has been for years. But through a constant consultation with the involvement of self -government, chambers, academic community and civil society. Several bodies of Western Greece, in fact, have already deposited their positions. And I have to say that especially in Achaia the Chamber, along with other bodies, such as the University of Patras, have submitted a set up.
Because, indeed, regional inequalities may have been mitigated, but they have disappeared. And the hundreds of billions of billion invested failed to cure all the weaknesses. That is why we must properly utilize any available resource that we provide with great effort. So we continue with the central aim of “double convergence”. To improve, in a nutshell, the position of the country’s regions in relation to those of the EU member states, while also reducing interregional inequalities within the country.
Our vision is a homeland where each region will have its own identity and dynamic. Growth does not mean abandoning the traditional economic structure. But its adaptation to modern times. Securing the right of every citizen to remain and prosper in the place where he was born. The region is not inferior. It’s different. With its own advantages to use, and its own weaknesses we need to correct. This is what we do with a plan, resources and boldness that already produce results.
Q: In your speech, at the inauguration of Patras – Pyrgos you referred to the very large decline in unemployment in the area from 25% to 10%. However, it remains above the average of the country and qualitative indicators such as GDP per capita and the population that is threatened with poverty rank the RIP in a very low position. Are some measures specifically designed for Western Greece?
A: In the field of employment, the whole country has made very important steps. Western Greece, however, has made a big leap. I remind you that unemployment from 26.6% in 2019 is moving to 10% this year. That is, it has reduced by 15.6%, a rate of twice as much as the whole country.
However, a significant increase is also recorded in per capita income. Between 2019-2022, we have data, reinforcement in Western Greece exceeds 15%, significantly higher than the national average. While the risk of poverty and social exclusion has also been significantly reduced. We do not complain, however, as the percentage still remains high. As we do not complain in any field, continuing the effort to raise Greece higher.
Q: The accuracy of basic goods, rents and energy continues to push low and medium income. Despite the interventions announced, the daily lives of citizens remains suffocating. How do you intend to reduce the distance between government intentions and lived reality?
A: Indeed, precision remains one of the most important problems, not only in our country, but almost throughout Europe. That is why the battle of this government with the price not only did it not end, but it is intensifying. Our interventions for price control in the super market, to subsidize energy and the mortgage are constantly renewed and enriched.
Of course, the most important weapon in this match is the permanent increase in incomes of all citizens. I would like to remind you that the minimum wage increased from 650 to 880 euros, significantly above the rise in inflation and by 2027 it will reach 950 euros. With the average salary, then 1,500 exceeds. While unemployment will continue to fall especially to young people and women at the same time.
At the same time, in the last six years we have returned a steady dividend of collective development to society and especially to the most vulnerable. The more public finances are housed and the tax evasion battle attributes, the more we can relieve our fellow citizens. You will need to be patient for a few weeks to hear all the interventions to be announced at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition. “