National Address from Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on April 13, 2020
My fellow citizens,
Thirty-three days have gone by since my first addresses about the pandemic. I then set a one clear goal: To curb the spread of Coronavirus in the country, while also enduring personal sacrifices. And you made these sacrifices, with a high sense of responsibility. So, all Greeks were protected; mainly though, it was the most vulnerable who were protected. And we gained valuable time, to organize better the National Health System. You all deserve a great thank you. For the trust you showed, but also for your disciplined behavior. We proved, as a people, that we have great strength and perseverance within. We showed the best version of ourselves. And that offers us justifiable satisfaction, if not also pride, because, at the same time, it equips us with the courage to continue the battle.
The war has not been won yet. The cases are decreasing, just as the number of patients in Intensive Care Units. However, even the slightest sense of complacency could easily lead us down a painful road of reversal. In the time that passed, we had and still have, unfortunately, losses. A lot fewer, though, than if we had followed a different policy. Therefore, we will insist on the course we are on: We will always consult with the specialists. Return to normal life will occur gradually and in phases. And only when it is substantiated by scientific facts. Above all, we will continue to protect, for a while, the elderly and those suffering from severe, chronic diseases.
My fellow citizens,
During this unprecedented crisis, so much has changed in rapid speed. We changed. I believe for the better. A new National Health System is already being built. More has happened in five weeks than happened in decades. I met and spoke with the people in the front lines, in the hospitals. I have admired their abilities, their devotion and their will. And have realized that along with the buildings and the technological tools, the perceptions of the role and function of public Health is also modernizing. The reformation of the National Health System does not end here. It is a personal commitment of mine to immediately add hundreds of ICU beds, so that we can quickly arrive to the European average.
The pandemic is subsiding. But it is very possible that it will return in the next winter. And it must find us prepared. Along with the National Health System, though, the public sector at large is taking new form: Its services are digital and spread to serve with greater ease and more speed. Prescriptions and certificates are issued electronically. The government website, https://www.gov.gr/, has now entered our life for good and makes it easier. Employees are getting better acquainted with technology. While, until today, almost 5 million students have participated in digital classrooms with the help of tens of thousands of educators. Many of our business prove to be durable and agile: some pivot their production to products fit for the time, such as antiseptics. While others collaborate with one another to offer hospitals technologically advanced materials, such as 3D-printed masks for doctors.
At the same time, Greek scientists are present at all international research programs fighting against the virus, while the mobilization of society is expressed on many dimensions: With major donations by private citizens. With thousands of citizen volunteers. And with the discipline of all. Because there is one common goal.
My fellow citizens,
With your responsible attitude, you tamed the first wave of Coronavirus. Doctors and nurses, uniformed and Public Safety, all stood at the front line. And by their side, many other fighters of this “new reality”: The employees of food markets. The delivery people delivering ready food. As well as the employees who keep our cities clean all day long. All of them “give life to our lives.” It is a certainly though, that when this crisis is over, we will look at the people filling our supermarket shelves in a different way. We will worry if the young lad on his moped isn’t wearing a helmet. And we will say good day to the men and women who empty the garbage bins in our neighborhoods. They will not be invisible as, perhaps for some, they once were. Many of these people had to wear protective masks for their bright faces to shine. It is the face of decency and solidarity. Of the Greece of tomorrow. And I want to thank them, once again, on behalf of all citizens. The greatest gain, however, from this unprecedented crisis has a name. And it is called Trust. Trust for the State. For the Government. For the fellow citizen! Because, in 50 days, decades’ old myths were destroyed. And new conclusions surfaced that will accompany us for long. It was proven, for example, that the state must first and foremost must be evaluated on the basis of its effectiveness. And that when the state is not a spoil of power, then it is transformed into a real “State.” Not with a partisan destination, but with the intent to care for all. One that assigns the responsibility of critical sectors to the most deserving. This legacy of trust and meritocracy must not leave when the pandemic goes. Because we will need it for the next big challenge: The reorganization of our economy.
The government has faced an unprecedented crisis. And reacted quickly: It has more than 14 billion to support employees and businesses. And it is securing another 10 billion euros in liquidity and additional European funds. Already, 750,000 workers are receiving the 800-euro boost. Nearly 200,000 unemployed people received an extension in their allowance. All tax and insurance obligations have been suspended for more than 500,000 companies. And 85,000 scientists signed up for paid telecommunications programs.
Today, I will announce once more initiative for a special group of the population: There are 155,000 long-term unemployed in our country who will receive an emergency financial support of 400 euro. Careful, though: Until today, we have been intentionally sacrificing a part of our prosperity in order to protect health and social unity. Because the recession of 2020 will be great. But the recovery of 2021 can be even greater. And, unlike in the past, today we have a big advantage: A huge reserve of reliability and seriousness. This national capital, therefore, cannot be wasted on reckless demands and provisional benefits. Because an ongoing war requires reserves. We will share the burdens of the crisis in a fair way, as we have done so far. So that everyone can have a dividend from the development boom that will follow.
At the beginning of this trial, I asked for the power of your trust. And you generously offered it to me. I believe that, with hard work, I reciprocate it every day. I do not forget, however, that this situation will not continue indefinitely. After the crisis, any authority must relinquish the inviolability of need and enhance its accountability. Because no extraordinary condition can put into question democratic sensitivity.
Parliament and all institutions, therefore, operate despite the restrictions. But I will say it again: Greece, after the pandemic must be a renewed Greece! The crisis may wound us. It will have armed us, however, with valuable experience to build a stronger and more modern state. Because, it is exactly these big steps that are being taken now that will serve as our weapons, which can make this temporary test a lever of steady progress. To integrate the expediencies of the moment into the strategic goal of the future. And, so, today’s measure can become the instigators of permanent reform. These are conquests that will help us make a fresh start after the storm. In other words, after the experience of Coronavirus, it is in our hands for “the need of today” to establish the “rebirth of tomorrow”. And the tough present may become a prelude to more optimistic times.
I would like to close with these thoughts,
In our previous communication, I had emphasized that in the battle against Covid-19, April is the most crucial month. Today, I am telling you that this is the most crucial week! A true Μεγάλη Εβδομάδα – Holy Week. In which our Passions and sacrifices are imprinted, this year, in order to overcome the Golgotha (Calvary) of the pandemic and reach Resurrection. We will remember this Easter as the Easter of Love. But, also, of Responsibility. We will go through it in separation from our people. And perhaps far from our homes. And, without pilgrimage to the churches. I know it’s very difficult. It is not our faith that is at stake, but the health of the faithful. In this way, however, we will justify the true message of the great feast. Which is the victory of life over death.
In this way, this Holy Week takes on a special spirituality. It brings us face to face with our fears, but also our expectations. It pushes us to stay humble and think about what is really important in our lives. So, let’s stay home. To meet again, healthy and strong, when the storm is over. We stay home, we come out winners. Because a thread separates victory from destruction: If we do not follow the advice of experts to the end, we can destroy what we have achieved.
On the horizon, we can see the moment when shops and schools will begin to open with careful steps, when the engines of the economy are reheating. And people can meet again on the streets, at work, at sports venues. All of this, however, must be done with caution. With a plan. Always consult our doctors. With new habits. With individual hygiene becoming a way of life. With special care for our elderly. And with any cases detected to be put in immediate isolation, before they become a threat.
I believe it: it is within our grasp to bring the future we desire closer to us. And by being cautious today, we can make tomorrow brighter and more optimistic. We can and we will make it happen!
Happy Resurrection to all!
Read and watch the Prime Minister’s original message in Greek.
