Mitsotakis, Tajani and Weber underline the need for unity in Europe at EPP Summit in Athens




Main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Friday stressed the need for a change in European economic policy to focus on growth through investments and reforms.

Speaking with the president of the European Parliament Antonio Tajani and the European Peoples’ Party (EPP) candidate for the EU presidency Manfred Weber, during the EPP Summit taking place in Greece, Mitsotakis said it was important to break the stereotype that the countries of the European South are unable to carry out reforms. He pointed out that a series of painful reforms have been carried out in Greece and the country’s economy has grown but these reforms must now continue at local level and with the support of society.

Mitsotakis criticised the government, saying that a leftist government believes that it should overtax the middle class to create excessive surpluses that it can afterwards distribute to its electoral “clientele”. “The best answer is the creation of jobs…growth through investments. We have the right strategy and, with respect to taxation and bureaucracy, I believe our positions are identical with those of the EPP,” Mitsotakis said.

On migration and the protection of borders, ND’s leader noted a need for more funds and a sharing of the burdens. “Unfortunately many countries of the north do not bear any of the burden,” he said
On his part, EPP President Manfred Weber said that the question is not south or north but left or EPP, noting that a prerequisite solving the problems is Europe’s unity.

Tajani, on his part, referred to the need for more Europe in the region of the Adriatic and in the Western Balkans, while regarding the migration he noted that the south of Europe is paying a heavy cost. Solidarity from Europe is necessary along with clear policies,” he said.

Finally, Tajani explained that he did not sign the proposal to nominate prime ministers Alexis Tsipras and Zoran Zaev for a Nobel Peace Prize because, as he said, he believes that this prize should be not be bestowed on serving politicians.

Greek exports rose to record high in 2018, according to a study unveiled by KEEM

Source: ANA-MPA

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