The first meeting between Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and the new president of New Democracy Kyriakos Mitsotakis took place on Tuesday afternoon. The two-hour meeting was reportedly carried out in a calm and civil atmosphere, with the two political leaders disagreeing on critical issues, but agreeing to further discuss in an effort to reach a consensus on pressing issues. As expected, the critical reform of the country’s pension system, public administration and national TV and radio council (ESR) were high up on the agenda.
Government sources note that the Prime Minister called the main opposition leader to clarify his position on the IMF’s involvement and to pick a side in relation to the negotiations on the pension reform. He also called Mr. Mitsotakis to work towards the election of a new ESR, so that the licensing process can move on, stressing that “it is not right for any party to back media oligarchs”.
Regarding the reforms in public administration, Mr. Tsipras explained that major problem is the lack of transparency and the partisanship in the public sector. Mr. Mitsotakis responded the people are fed up with the situation in the public sector and was critical of the government’s policy towards investors and entrepreneurs, claiming that it is problematic and dissuades foreign businesses.
During the meeting the two also discussed the electoral law, with the main opposition leader clarifying that he will only debate it within the context of greater institutional changes that the country needs and the Constitutional review. Finally, the two also discussed the refugee crisis, with Prime Minister Tsipras updating Mr. Mitsotakis on the latest developments.
