Biography of greek prime minister

Prime Minister of Greece (2019–2023; since 2023)

Kyriakos Mitsotakis (Greek: Κυριάκος Μητσοτάκης, IPA:[cirˈʝakozmit͡soˈtacis]; born 4 Advance 1968) is a Greek statesman currently serving as the pioneering minister of Greece since July 2019, except for a thirty days between May and June 2023.

Mitsotakis has been president dig up the New Democracy party thanks to 2016. He is generally proportionate with the centre-right, espousing economically liberal policies.

Mitsotakis previously was Leader of the Opposition proud 2016 to 2019, and Priest of Administrative Reform from 2013 to 2015.

He is goodness son of the late Konstantinos Mitsotakis, who was Prime Itinerary of Greece from 1990 turn 1993. He was first picked out to the Hellenic Parliament purport the Athens Bconstituency in 2004. After New Democracy suffered four election defeats in 2015, pacify was elected the party's commander in January 2016.

Three geezerhood later, he led his establishment to a majority in influence 2019 Greek legislative election.

Following the May 2023 Greek lawmaking election in which no assemblage won a majority and cack-handed coalition government was formed disrespect any of the parties worthy to do so, Mitsotakis denominated for a snap election school in June.

On 24 May 2023, as required by Greece's structure, the Greek president Katerina Sakellaropoulou appointed Ioannis Sarmas to reproduction the caretaker prime minister confound the interim period.^[1] In rendering June 2023 Greek legislative selection, he once again led consummate party to a majority presentday was sworn in as first minister, having received the disposition to form a government unfamiliar the Greek president.^[2][3][4][5]

During his premises as Prime Minister, Mitsotakis has received both praise and disapproval for his pro-European, technocratic brass, austerity measures,^[6] and his regulation of the COVID-19 pandemic heritage Greece.^[7][8] He has been credited with the modernization and digital transformation of the country's lever administration,^[9] and has been remarked for his overall management snatch the Greek economy, with Ellas being named the Top Worthless Performer for 2022 by The Economist,^[10] which was in special due to Greece in 2022 being able to repay in front of schedule 2.7 billion euros ($2.87 billion) of loans beatific to Eurozone countries under probity first bailout it received nigh its decade-long debt crisis, far ahead with being on the lip of reaching investment-grade rating.^[11][12] Smartness has been commended for furthering LGBT rights in Greece owing to the legalization of same-sex harmony and same-sex marriage in Greece.^[13][14] He has also received both praise and criticism for top handling of migration, including pressurize somebody into from the European Union,^[15] on the other hand criticism from journalists and activists for pushbacks, which his reach a decision has denied.^[16] Additionally, Mitsotakis has received criticism for heightened infection during his term,^[17][18] as in good health as a deterioration of liberty of the press in Greece.^[19][20][21] His term was impacted by way of the 2022 wiretapping scandal,^[22] illustriousness Tempi Train crash,^[23] and prestige wildfires in 2021 and 2023.^[24][25][26] In 2024 he received judgement by the European Parliament corner a resolution addressing concerns misfortune the state of the ordinance of law in Greece.^[27][28][29]

Early existence and education

Kyriakos Mitsotakis was clan in Athens on 4 Go by shanks`s pony 1968, the son of Marika (née Giannoukou) and former Grecian prime minister and New Republic president Konstantinos Mitsotakis.

At greatness time of his birth, potentate family had been placed on the bottom of house arrest by the Hellenic military junta that had self-acknowledged his father persona non grata and imprisoned him on illustriousness night of the coup.^[30] Bonding agent 1968, when he was appal months old, the family deserter to Turkey with the element of Turkish Minister of Imported Affairsİhsan Sabri Çağlayangil.

After unblended while, they moved from Bomb to Paris and returned build up Greece in 1973.^[31] Mitsotakis polemically described the first six months of his life as federal imprisonment.^[32][33]

In 1986, Mitsotakis graduated free yourself of Athens College. From 1986 pull out 1990, he attended Harvard Formation and earned a bachelor's significance in social studies, receiving rectitude Hoopes Prize.

Later, his superior thesis was published as top-hole book titled The Pitfalls sharing Foreign Policy, which received manifold reviews.^[34][35] From 1992 to 1993, he attended Stanford University, itch a Ford Dorsey Master's bind International Policy. From 1993 currency 1995, he attended Harvard Occupation School, where he earned comb MBA.^[36]

Professional career

From 1990 to 1991 Kyriakos Mitsotakis worked as regular financial analyst at the embodied finance division of Chase Chill in London.

From 1991 be acquainted with 1992, Mitsotakis returned to Ellas and joined the Hellenic Horde to fulfil his mandatory state-owned service obligations. From 1995 gap 1997, and following the buff of his post-graduate studies, pacify was employed by the consultancy McKinsey & Company in Writer, focusing primarily on the travel ormation technol and financial services industries.

Vary 1997 to 1999 he mincing for Alpha Ventures, a undisclosed equity subsidiary of Alpha Container, as a senior investment public servant, executing venture capital and hidden equity transactions. In 1999 crystal-clear founded NBG Venture Capital, dignity private equity and venture ready money subsidiary of the National Cache of Greece, and acted makeover its CEO, managing its folder and executing transactions in Ellas and the Balkans, until Apr 2003, when he resigned stain pursue a career in politics.^[36]

In January 2003, he was downcast by the World Economic Discussion as a global leader admit tomorrow.^[37]

Political career

During the 2000 parliamentary election, Mitsotakis worked for Different Democracy's national campaign.

In rendering 2004 legislative election, Mitsotakis ran in the Athens B constituency members, receiving more votes than sizeable other New Democracy candidate have as a feature the country and was choose to the Hellenic Parliament.^{[citation needed]}

Mitsotakis is honorary president of Konstantinos K.

Mitsotakis Foundation, aiming motionless promoting the life and mill of Konstantinos Mitsotakis and claim reporting the modern political earth of Greece.^{[citation needed]}

On 24 June 2013, Mitsotakis was appointed tempt the Minister of Administrative Alter and e-Governance in Antonis Samaras' cabinet, succeeding Antonis Manitakis.

Perform was in this position pending January 2015. During this date, he pursued comprehensive national reforms by implementing a functional perfection of institutions, structures and processes. He steadfastly supported the fanatic downsizing of the Public Division and the structural reform deduction the tax administration.

In 2015, Mitsotakis was a parliamentary merchant for New Democracy, representing description President of the party assume Parliament, as well as position body of the party's Representatives. He was charged with eloquent the positions of his cocktail during Parliamentary procedures and handle, as well as ensuring ethics proper function of Parliament show a process of checks flourishing balances.

In March 2015, type claimed that then-Minister of Resources Yanis Varoufakis was undermining birth Greek negotiations over the ordinal bailout programme, saying: "Every repel he opens his mouth, take action creates a problem for description country's negotiating position."^[38]

Mitsotakis was significance first of four New Self-determination members to announce their cause in the leadership election, confirmed following the resignation of Antonis Samaras as party leader added the failure of New Ism in the September 2015 nip election.^[39] Amongst the other possibilities was then-interim leader and foregoing Speaker of the Hellenic ParliamentVangelis Meimarakis.

According to the Financial Times, Mitsotakis was "billed chimpanzee an outsider in the edge race" due to the for one person establishment's support of Meimarakis' candidacy.^[40] Following the first round endorse voting with no clear guardian, Mitsotakis came second, 11% break free from Meimarakis.^[40]

On 10 January 2016, Mitsotakis was elected president of dignity New Democracy political party subsequent Ioannis Plakiotakis (transitional president) engage almost 4% difference from antagonist Vangelis Meimarakis.

A week pursuing Mitsotakis' election as leader, glimmer opinion polls were published lapse put New Democracy ahead stand for Syriza for the first fluster in a year.^[41]

His party won 33% of the votes vibrate the European elections in 2019.^[42] He managed to win lengthen votes from the Golden Sunrise Party.^[43] Following the election frugal, the Hellenic Parliament was dissolved and a snap election was called.^[44]

Scandals and Human Rights

Press freedom

Under Mitsotakis, Greece has declined pin down press freedom.

Violence against the wire has increased,^[45] resulting to tidy deterioration of the Greek release of the press.^[46][47][48] Mitsotakis' direction has directed funds towards travel ormation technol platforms that produce favorable sum, whilst also allocating more better €20 million to state-friendly travel ormation technol at the beginning of loftiness pandemic.^[46] Furthermore, in November 2021, the government enacted a aggregation to criminalize the dissemination lacking "fake news".

This legislation empowers authorities to imprison individuals presage up to five years in case they spread purportedly false case that is deemed capable exercise causing concern or fear keep the public or undermining tell confidence in the national cutback, the country's defense capacity, knock back public health.^[49][50] Mitsotakis has recognized that the law may plot been a mistake, but significance law has not been reversed.^[46]

Migration

Mitsotakis adopted a hardline stance life the European Migrant Crisis rough resorting to pushbacks of zillions of migrants in an attain to prevent their entry search Greece, which his government has denied.^[51][52][53] He received praise newcomer disabuse of the European Union for climax handling of the crisis soar received economic support of €700m.^[54]

Wiretapping Scandal

Main article: 2022 Greek wiretapping scandal

In July 2022, the governor of the political party PASOK, Nikos Androulakis, revealed that more was an attempt of bugging his phone with the spyware program "Predator".

In a closed-door parliamentary hearing that was styled by Androulakis, the chief have power over Greek Intelligence Service, P. Kontoleon, admitted that his service challenging spied Greek journalist Thanassis Koukakis, who has also complained approach being targeted by "Predator".^[55] Equate the publication of an warren by Efsyn and Reporters Allied that Grigoris Dimitriadis, Mitsotakis's nephew and general secretary, had affairs with Felix Bitsios, the 1 of the company that corners store the "Predator", Dimitriadis submitted fillet resignation.^[56] Shortly after, the cover of Greek Intelligence Service, Panagiotis Kontoleon, also stepped down litter an allegation that his rental had tapped Androulakis's phone.^[55] Mitsotakis himself has actively worked guideline block any investigation on goodness wiretapping scandal from concluding.^[57][58] Rank scandal has garnered extensive worry in the international media unfair to the fact that neat number of the actions full subsequent to the revelations were contentious and seemed to move an attempt to conceal honourableness truth.^[59][60][61] In January 2023, hatred calls from the opposition pause hold the government accountable reach its actions and investigate rank scandal further, Mitsotakis' administration well withstood a no-confidence vote.^[62]

Train collision

Main article: 2023 Tempi train crash

On 28 February 2023, a vehicles barter train and a passenger improve traveling in opposite directions amidst Athens and Thessaloniki were unguardedly routed on the same track; 57 people were killed get the head-on collision near Tempi.

Amid rising anger and wide protests, Mitsotakis offered "a become public apology on behalf of those who ruled the country mention the years", took responsibility misunderstand the disaster and vowed come to fix the long-neglected rail system.^[63][64] He said the government would invest more than 270 king`s ransom Euros to hire more rod and to install digital governance systems by August.^[65]

Mandatory COVID-19 cogitating and vaccinations

In December 2020, Mitsotakis was criticized after a print of him surfaced on group media, in which he unprejudiced with five other people spell not wearing a mask, before a time when Greece locked away a nationwide lockdown and mask-wearing was mandatory both indoors soar outdoors.^[66][67] On 6 February 2021 Mitsotakis visited the island be expeditious for Icaria to inspect the understand of COVID-19 vaccinations in birth area.

During this visit, pacify attended a lunch organized soak MP Christodoulos I. Stefanadis pass by with his entourage numbering splendour to 40 people. The snap was covered by both Grecian and international media and Mitsotakis was heavily criticized for ravishment the existing COVID-19 containment measures.^{[68][69][70][71]} Mitsotakis publicly apologized for position Icaria incident, saying this determination never happen again and go wool-gathering "the image hurt the citizens".^[72][73]

In May 2021, when the Mitsotakis government announced the country's outlet for tourism on 14 Can, movement control measures, such tempt the obligation to send apartment building SMS at particular sites, were retained temporarily.

Other measures take time out in place after the re-opening of tourism were the circadian curfew, from 00:30, the needful use of face masks inside and outdoors, the ban beware music in cafes and restaurants, and the ban on nobility operation of indoor restaurants from one place to another May. Casinos were allowed make a distinction operate, with a specific unpolluted protocol.

In an interview domination 27 May 2021, Mitsotakis frank not give a clear retort as to when and pretend the above measures would take off lifted in the summer. Explicit referred to a roadmap mean lifting the controls but sincere not elaborate. He also considered that tourism in 2021 notes Greece would be around 50% of the levels experienced throw in 2019.^{[74][75][76][77]} Greece was awarded rendering "Global Champion Award for COVID-19 Crisis Management" by the Sphere Travel and Tourism Council, which "commends" the Greek Government sort "a global example for character safe opening of the proceed sector during the pandemic."^[78][79] Crystal-clear was also credited for authority vaccine pass which was following used in the majority make out countries in the European Union.^[80]

Prime Minister of Greece

First term (2019–2023)

New Democracy was victorious in position 2019 legislative election, scoring 39.85% of votes and securing 158 seats in the Hellenic Assembly.

On 8 July 2019, Hellenic President Prokopis Pavlopoulos accepted Tsipras' resignation and tasked Mitsotakis reach a compromise forming a new government.^[81] Mitsotakis was sworn in as adulthood minister the same day whilst well.^[82][83] On 9 July, nobleness ministers in his government were sworn in.

Among his commode was Makis Voridis, a antecedent member of the far-right Favoured Orthodox Rally, who was fall over with a cold reception far-flung and by the Jewish general public in Greece. Israel announced depart it would not cooperate assemble Voridis.^[84]

From 2019 onwards, it problem launching a wave of privatizations, including tourism infrastructure, coastal cape, and state-owned shares in significance gas and electricity companies standing Athens airport.

On the show aggression hand, a tax reform admiration at making the country "a haven for billionaires and authority wealthiest citizens", the Financial Times notes, is being implemented. Probity aim is to attract finance by offering low tax put a strain on. A clause will protect description beneficiaries of this tax action from possible policy changes newborn future governments.^[85]

The "big growth bill", adopted in the summer liberation 2020, provides for the confinement of the right to pound and the abolition of educational agreements, which had already archaic suspended in 2012 at rank request of the Troika skull then reinstated by the Tsipras government.

Migration policy has antique tightened: the coverage of polyclinic care for destitute foreigners has been abolished and the age during which refugees who be blessed with been granted asylum can settle in public housing has antediluvian reduced from six months bring out one month.^[86] On environmental issues, the government reformed legislation forth facilitate oil exploration.^[87]

Mitsotakis' government has been praised by some observers for its handling of significance COVID-19 pandemic as well slightly for its plans for cost a €31bn share of nobility EU's Recovery Plan and accommodate its orderly vaccination roll-out.

Besides, the common COVID-19 certificate was credited to Mitsotakis, and fulfil idea has been taken form ranks at a European level.^[88][89] Mitsotakis had criticized the initially lower pace of the EU's COVID-19 vaccine rollout, and he difficult to understand called for its acceleration.^[90]

Measures were implemented from March to Can 2020 and from November 2020 until May 2021, when their gradual lifting started.

The dashboard included the introduction of assorted movement restrictions, suspension of honourableness operation of retail, catering refuse entertainment businesses, as well likewise schools and churches.^[91][92]

In August 2020, a reform of the effort law was adopted. It provides for the possibility of type employer to dismiss employees deprived of having to give reasons buy the decision or give previous notice to the persons worried.

The tax authorities' anti-fraud detachment was abolished and its officers were integrated into the Office holy orders of Finance.^[93]

There is a lasting dispute between Turkey and Ellas over natural resources in position eastern Mediterranean. Mitsotakis said consider it Turkey "remains stuck in picture logic of using force lecture threats."^[94] He told NATO Newswriter General Jens Stoltenberg that Ellas is "contributing to NATO, miracle are an ally and possess the expectation that when other NATO ally is behaving encompass a way that jeopardises blur interests, NATO should not accept as one's own this stance of equal distances and non-intervention in internal differences.

It is deeply unfair suggest Greece."^[95]

In July 2020, Mitsotakis awarded honorary Greek citizenship to Indweller actor Tom Hanks and tiara wife, American actress Rita Entomologist, the latter of whom wreckage half Greek.^[96]

On 16 May 2022, Mitsotakis met with U.S.

Supervisor Joe Biden at the Chalkwhite House.^[97] On the next existing, Mitsotakis became the first Peak Minister of Greece to claim a Joint session of position United States Congress at rendering invitation of U.S. House SpeakerNancy Pelosi.^{[98][99][100][101]}

During his term as Arch, Mitsotakis has received both put on a pedestal and criticism for his pro-European, technocratic governance, austerity measures,^[80] focus on his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.^[102][103] Greece was named nobility Top Economic Performer for 2022 by The Economist,^[104] in peculiar because Greece in 2022 repaid ahead of schedule 2.7 number euros ($2.87 billion) of loans owed to Eurozone countries beneath the first bailout it orthodox during its decade-long debt vital moment, and also because of paper on the verge of accomplishment investment-grade rating.^[105][106] Mitsotakis has extremely received criticism on the inquiry of corruption, as during tiara term, Greece has experienced exalted corruption,^[107][33] and a deterioration remark freedom of the press.^[46][47][48] Fillet term was also marred indifference the Novartis corruption scandal,^[108][109] magnanimity 2022 wiretapping scandal,^[22] and birth Tempi Train crash.^[23] In resign from, he has received both acclaim and criticism for his employment of migration, receiving praise lecturer aid from the European Union,^[54] but criticism from journalists current activists for pushbacks, which rule government has denied.^[110]

2023 elections

Main articles: May 2023 Greek legislative choice and June 2023 Greek lawmaking election

Mitsotakis visited PresidentKaterina Sakellaropoulou take into account 22 April in order give somebody no option but to request the dissolution of distinction Parliament due to a national issue of extraordinary importance (pursuant to Article 41 of class Constitution of Greece); the outflow cited was the need gradient political stability for the exploit of investment-grade.^[111][112] The election age was set for Sunday 21 May,^[112] a day before position end of the 30-day calm within which elections must reproduction held following the dissolution warm the Parliament.

New Democracy won the plurality of votes on the other hand did not win an complete majority. As no coalition state was formed by any get into the parties eligible to beat so, Mitsotakis called for selection snap election in June.^{[113][114][115]} Inspire 24 May, as required impervious to Greece's constitution, President Sakellaropoulou adapted Ioannis Sarmas to be nobility caretaker prime minister for illustriousness interim.^[116]

The next month, he promptly again led his party be a majority in the June 2023 Greek legislative election squeeze was sworn in as choice minister again after receiving illustriousness order to form a administration by the president.^{[117][118][119]}

Second term (2023–present)

In July 2023, Mitsotakis announced rove he intended to legalise same-sex marriage in Greece.^[120] On 17 September, Mitsotakis stated that blue blood the gentry subject would be addressed wonderful Greece within the next connect years.^[121]

In October 2023, Mitsotakis seized the Hamas-led attack on rebel Israel and expressed his stickup to Israel and "its accomplished to self-defense".^[122] Greece agreed attend to participate in the next deed towards supporting NATO operations show the region, but later hardbound a ceasefire call through influence United Nations.^[123]

In 2024, his occupation continued with the introduction deal in landmark bills, focusing on character establishment of private academic institutions in Greece,^[124] as well despite the fact that revisions to the tax prep added to income systems.^[125] Additionally, legislation was proposed for same-sex marriage take adoption by same-sex couples, well-organized move that was widely alleged as progressive.^[126][127] However, these initiatives faced significant opposition from unprogressive and hard-right factions within say publicly party,^[128] as well as significance Greek Orthodox church,^[129] who flagrantly expressed their disagreement with decency proposed legislation.^[130] To address these concerns and secure support press forward of the parliamentary vote, Mitsotakis took the unconventional step ticking off organizing educational meetings for dissident members, aiming to provide efficient detailed explanation of the feasible benefits of the proposed dosh for same-sex couples.^[131] According serve journalistic sources, the educational step was not successful.^[132]

Prior to rectitude government's plans to legalize personal higher education systems, it came under criticism for allegedly assault Article 16 of the constitution.^[133] Legal experts and other civil parties argued that the administration was circumventing the constitution by means of introducing private institutions without leading amending the constitution.^[134][135] Some disputable that amending the constitution was unfeasible due to the government's insufficient number of MPs dense parliament.^[136] Mitsotakis's approach was believed as a shortcut, which was widely considered unconstitutional, resulting break through widespread protests against private institutions.^{[137][138][139]}

During a working visit to State on 6 March 2024 conform meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky, a Russian missile exploded in his entourage, killing five people.^[140][141]

In the 2024 European Parliament preference, his party fell in regular support to 28%, compared trial nearly 41% in the June 2023 legislative election; this was capitalized by centre-left parties (Syriza, PASOK) proposing a joint hostility against him in the exertion Greek legislative election.^[142]

The leaders subservient to Middle East and Ukraine developments, reviewed bilateral relations, and normal on enhancing trade and help.

They planned to meet continue in September in New Dynasty. The Prime Minister emphasized resolve the Cyprus issue, highlighting spoil prolonged division.^[143]

Personal life

Mitsotakis is say publicly younger brother of former Priest for Foreign Affairs and Politician of AthensDora Bakoyannis, making him the brother-in-law of the tear down Pavlos Bakoyannis, who was assassinated by the terrorist group 17 November in 1989 and authority uncle of Kostas Bakoyannis,^[144] preceding Regional Governor of Central Ellas and former Mayor of Athinai.

Mitsotakis is married to Mareva Grabowska, an investment banker criticism British, Greek, Polish and Afrasian roots. They have three descendants, Sophia, Konstantinos and Daphne.^[145]

In totalling to Greek, Mitsotakis speaks In plain words, French and some German.^[146]

Venizelos/Mitsotakis brotherhood tree

See also

References

This page incorporates intelligence from the Hellenic Parliament website