Mitsotakis interview on SKAI TV

In doing so, he sharpened the political pressure on PASOK, reframed the post-election debate, and rejected the notion that voters face a binary choice of “Mitsotakis or chaos.”

Turning the Question Back on PASOK

Mitsotakis reversed the common question of what happens if New Democracy (ND) wins the election without an outright majority, instead directing it at his critics.

“This question is not addressed to us,” he said, “but to those who say ‘we don’t want Mitsotakis’ without explaining what they do want.” He pointedly asked whether PASOK intends to pursue cooperation and, if so, with whom—hinting at the possibility of a broader left-leaning alliance.

Opening the Door—Carefully—to Coalitions

Acknowledging polling realities, Mitsotakis spoke more openly than before about political cooperation, while remaining deliberately cautious.

“The Constitution is absolutely clear,” he said. “If there is no majority, the first party is obliged to explore the possibility of forming a government. I will respect the Constitution.”

At the same time, he insisted that the real choice for voters is not “Mitsotakis or chaos,” but a comparison between himself and other party leaders, including Nikos Androulakis, Zoe Konstantopoulou, and Kyriakos Velopoulos.

While reiterating his preference for single-party rule, Mitsotakis said he would respect the electorate’s will if voters signal support for a coalition government.

This stance effectively places the burden of consensus on PASOK if ND falls short of an absolute majority—an outcome that could shape the political landscape heading toward the 2027 elections.

A “Polite” Rebuke Over Joint Custody Law

On domestic issues, Mitsotakis defended legislation on joint child custody, while carefully distancing himself from the way it was recently applied—an indirect but pointed message to Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni.

“The provision itself is correct,” he said, adding that laws may need adjustment over time. However, he declined to comment on how the clause was used in a specific case, citing its personal nature and the involvement of children.

Pressed further, he emphasized the need for public officials to consider not only substance but also public perception, while making clear that Kefalogianni’s position in government is not in question.

Visit to Ankara and Greece–Turkey Relations

Mitsotakis confirmed plans to visit Ankara next week for the High-Level Cooperation Council, likely on February 11.

He underlined that Greece’s only substantive dispute with Turkey concerns the delimitation of maritime zones, including the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean.

“As long as Turkey adds other issues to the agenda,” he said, “it becomes difficult to make further progress.” Still, he noted that cooperation remains possible on issues of “low politics.”

Clear Red Lines

The prime minister stressed that Greece does not require mediators in Greek-Turkish relations and sent a clear message that Athens does not need permission for electric interconnection projects involving Greek islands.

On the possible extension of territorial waters, he reiterated that this is an inalienable and unilateral right, to be exercised when conditions allow—recalling that Greece has already done so in the Ionian Sea.

While international adjudication remains a theoretical option, Mitsotakis said it is unrealistic as long as issues such as “grey zones,” challenges to sovereignty, and an ongoing threat of war remain on the table.