“I respect their choice,” Mitsotakis said, referring to the voters’ decisions, which were expressed either through unprecedented abstention or by choosing smaller parties. “I hear their voice and their command: We trust you, but try harder, and that’s what we’ll do to move faster towards Europe.”

Mitsotakis emphasised the difficulty of the elections, noting that citizens who supported New Democracy in 2023 might have approached this election differently, knowing no government was being elected. He also mentioned the lack of substantial reflection on Europe’s future and Greece’s position within it during the pre-election period, alongside voters’ desire to protest over everyday issues.

The Prime Minister’s message in detail:

“I thank all the Greek men and women from the bottom of my heart for trusting us once again. Our MEPs will fight in the European Parliament.

In the European Parliament, unfortunately, the rise of the extreme right is a reality from which even our country is not exempt.

I will not hide the truth: our party did not reach the goal we had set. Nor am I interested in arguments that the difference from the second party is the biggest in the history of the European elections.

We knew from the beginning that this election would be very difficult. Citizens who supported us in 2023 knew that no government is being elected now and perhaps faced this battle differently.

Pre-election, despite my own efforts, many saw no substantial reflection on the future of Europe and our country’s position in it, while certainly many voters wanted to protest about issues concerning their everyday life, more precisely.

I respect their choice. Whether this was expressed through unprecedented abstention for the country, which perhaps makes it difficult to draw conclusions, or through the choice of smaller parties.

I hear their voice and their command: “We trust you, but try harder. This is what we will do to move faster towards Europe.”

In France and Germany, governing parties retreated significantly. New Democracy remains strong and one of the largest centre-right parties in Europe. It is the only one that can provide stability.

From now on, these elections become the starting point of a new path towards 2027. From tomorrow, we will stand with greater intensity in the problems, for greater work, for greater effort and fewer failures.

We have three years ahead of us without elections. Just as Greece of 2024 is much better than 2019, the same will happen in 2027. We want it and can achieve it.”

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