Greek Prime Minister Begins Countdown to General Election

On Saturday, Greece's Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis demanded that the parliament be dissolved, marking the beginning of the countdown to the general elections scheduled for May 21.

Despite holding a marginal lead in the polls, Mitsotakis is seeking re-election by promising to enhance safety measures in the wake of the country's most catastrophic rail tragedy and boosting the economy.

He met with President Katerina Sakellaropoulou to present the recommendation from his cabinet, and a signed presidential decree is anticipated later on in the day.

"The government has practically exhausted its term of office. I hope we have a fruitful debate free from toxicity," Mitsotakis said in a statement calling for widespread participation in the coming elections.

"I especially call on young people who must be involved in decisions about their future," he added.

Later, in televised statement, Mitsotakis added that "the country needs political stability to… regain investment grade status meaning cheaper borrowing for the country but also for businesses and households".