New Democracy Leader (ND) Kyriakos Mitsotakis addressed his party’s 12th conference on Friday promising to reject the Prespes Agreement with FYROM and introduce a minimum wage amongst others.
"This is our last conference before the great political change the Greek society is waiting for, and which will be sealed by the next election," Kyriakos Mitsotakis said during his speech
ND is a party that embraces moral values, Mitsotakis said, and added that the majority of Greeks are asking the coalition government to leave so the country can move forward.
New Democracy is entering the election year that will determine the future of the country more united than ever, Mitsotakis continued.
"We acknowledge our mistakes and that's why we dare change. Our aim is a better future. Our opponent is SYRIZA and we will do whatever it takes so they lose the next election. Because they hate the middle classes. I want to be done with SYRIZA not just because of what they do, but also for what they believe in," he added.
"Millions of Greeks are watching us today, turning their interest and hope in our direction. People who had never voted for us in the past are today more positively inclined towards us. We will not let them down," Mitsotakis said.
In reference to the Prespes Agreement, Mitsotakis said that Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras never attempted to create a national consensus but instead accepted something six different prime ministers rejected: the recognition of a "Macedonian" language and nationality.
Our job is to serve society, particularly the weakest parts of it, Mitsotakis continued, saying that his party wants to put differences behind, heal old wounds and address inequalities.
He then remarked that ND's conference motto "Greece, we can" is more timely than ever, because if his party comes to power Greeks will see a significant improvement in their lives.
In a world that changes so quickly, Greece cannot be on the side of those who choose to stay behind, Mitsotakis said, adding that "Greece has always been on the right side of history."
Regarding the minimum wage, Mitsotakis said the ND commits to set it at 703 euros.
He also announced that the ND intends for the minimum wage to be increased by double the GDP growth rate so that growth can become "the tool of a new social cohesion" and "we can all move forward together leaving nobody behind."
Finally, addressing the country's demographic problem, Mitsotakis pledged that ND will support new couples, providing a 20,000-euro benefit for every child that is born, depending on family income.
"We will bring back the benefits that SYRIZA abolished," he said.
