Manos Konsolas: “The Opposition’s Lack of Credibility Is Its Own Problem, Not the Country’s”
Dodecanese MP of New Democracy, Mr. Manos Konsolas, addressed Parliament’s plenary session, focusing on what he described as the opposition’s lack of credibility and its stance on key national issues.
“As long as the opposition remains unreliable and stagnant at low polling rates, this is not a political problem for the country. It is a political problem for the opposition itself,” he stated. However, he stressed that the refusal to build consensus even on self-evident matters, along with divisive and toxic rhetoric, constitutes a broader political concern.
Referring to Greek-Turkish relations, Mr. Konsolas underlined that on the international stage “everyone talks to everyone,” even countries engaged in armed conflict. “Dialogue channels must remain open. It is preferable to keeping the path of tension open,” he noted, emphasizing that Greece maintains clear positions and red lines, which it firmly defends. He added that Turkey is beginning to realize that improving its relations with Europe depends on respecting international treaties and International Law.
The MP also commented on the bill concerning collective labor agreements, highlighting that it was shaped with the participation of all national social partners, establishing a new framework for employees and businesses. He pointed to provisions facilitating the extension of collective agreements and ensuring that wages and working conditions remain valid after an agreement expires until a new one is signed.
Concluding, Mr. Konsolas argued that political and economic stability is reflected in steady growth rates and a drop in unemployment to 7.5%, the lowest level in the past 18 years. He also cited a 35.4% increase in the minimum wage under New Democracy’s governance, with a target of reaching €950 by 2027 and an average full-time salary of €1,516.
