Greek PM: Our decision to phase out lignite remains

Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Sunday, speaking at a nationally television press conference from the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), reiterated his center-right government’s volition to stop the mining and use of lignite for energy needs.

“Lignite is very expensive… the development ministry has already unveiled a structure to restore areas (with lignite pits, mining… we are fully aware of the urgency and the fair transition (away from lignite) to persuade citizens that the future without lignite is the correct one.”

Asked about a series of instances where authorities have detected fake vaccination and previous infection with Covid-19 certificates, he said this illegality is not widespread, while leaving open the possibility of publicizing the names of those involved as a type of reprimand, rather than further disciplinary measures.

Queried over the decision to tender a concession for the construction and operation of a new tollway across the breadth of northern Crete, and opposition on the large island to paying tolls for road use, Mitsotakis, who paternal roots hail from Hania, Crete, said tolls “are obviously a part of the concession contract, and they will be at the same level as those paid by Greek drivers for the use of modern highways throughout Greece. I would not consider it as a reasonable for Crete to be excluded, and this will not be the case, because the financing costs would then increase significantly.”

“…of course, Crete shouldn’t have waited 50 years (for such a highway), but I haven’t governed for 50 years,” he added.