PM K. Mitsotakis on OT : With the prestige of the past for the wager of the future

The public debate welcomes OT (ot.gr) with hopes and high expectations. Because society, having turned the page, after the double adventure of the crisis and the cheap slogans, is really looking for progressive reforms. But also the political world valid suggestions, said the Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in the “Economic Post”, on the occasion of its digital reopening.

A historic journalistic medium, now in electronic form, is again meeting the country at a crucial crossroads: at the end of a great adventure and at the dawn of a great opportunity. For a leap forward, which will transform Greece, the Prime Minister pointed out.

The full statement of the Prime Minister:
“Oikonomikos Tachydromos” (Financial Herald) – ot.gr is returning at a critical juncture for the Greek economy. And a historic journalistic medium, now in electronic form, is again meeting the country at a crucial crossroads: at the end of a great adventure and at the dawn of a great opportunity. For a leap forward that will transform Greece.

With directors such as Athanasios Kanellopoulos and, later, Giannis Marinos, OT has always been a voice of reason, staying away from demagogy and populism. It passionately supported progressive reforms, even if they often seemed unthinkable. And, above all, it provided readers with the interpretive tools to judge and evaluate for themselves the choices of governments and parties in the field of economics.

Having authoritative columnists such as Xenophon Zolotas, Faidon Vegleris and Giagos Pesmazoglou, as well as poignant researchers, it combined scientific documentation with the journalistic perspective. Thus, in addition to being “financial”, he was also deeply “political”. With references to the history, ideas and currents of thought of the post-war period. While, at the same time, he viewed the news in the light of responsibility and not of impressions.

Today, the public debate welcomes OT with hopes and high expectations. Because society, having turned the page, after the double adventure of the crisis and the cheap slogans, is really looking for progressive reforms. But also the political world needs valid suggestions. First, the government itself. In addition to its bold policies for the digitization of the state, development of investments and stimulation of employment, it considers useful any fruitful considerations. Much more so, when the end of the pandemic will mean the beginning of a “cosmogony” with the name “Greece 2.0”.

This is the National Recovery Plan that aspires to completely change the productive model of the land, improving the lives of all Greeks. Through the mobilization of 57 billion euros. And the activation of both the public and the private sector. In 4 directions: Green economy. Digital transition. Employment, and Social Welfare. And large projects with private investment in a modern institutional framework.

It is the happy end of a difficult journey, which began in March 2020, when, together with 8 other EU leaders, we co-signed the Recovery and Resilience Facility in response to the economic consequences of the pandemic. Something that, at the time, some considered very “advanced”. But, today, it is a reality. A reality/challenge for the political, economic and social forces of the country. But also a reality/invitation for a creative public debate focusing on the future. The conditions, therefore, are suitable for journalistic interventions that will favor level-headed information instead of fake news. And multifaceted analysis instead of the easy impressions.

With these thoughts I welcome the digital return of OT. I used to read it in print as a young reader. And, more mature today, I am ready to follow it in its own new and more mature journey.

Have a great start!