Greek PM Mitsotakis announces new Kos hospital and Rhodes port upgrade, sets spring 2027 election

Health infrastructure announcements

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis gave the green light for the utilisation of the Old Rhodes Hospital complex during his visit to the Dodecanese islands. The project has been a long-standing demand of the local community. Mitsotakis and Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis expressed full confidence in South Aegean Regional Governor Yorgos Chatzimarkos, and committed the government to rapidly implementing the redevelopment plan. The prime minister also announced the construction of a new hospital on the island of Kos, a decision the government says will strengthen healthcare infrastructure for residents and the thousands of tourists who visit each year.

Port upgrade and tourism

Later at Rhodes port, accompanied by Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni and other officials, Mitsotakis was briefed on a strategic plan to upgrade the port's facilities. The project is designed to boost the island's development and tourism role, improve passenger services and create modern infrastructure adapted to rising demand. The prime minister was later scheduled to chair a meeting with tourism industry representatives at the regional offices. Regional MPs Yannis Pappas, Manos Konsolas, Mika Iatridi and Vasilis Ypsilantis also attended the events.

Political remarks and election timing

Mitsotakis used the visit to confirm that the next national election will be held at the end of the government's term, in spring 2027, ruling out an early ballot.

“Every day counts. Elections will take place in spring 2027, on time. We are experienced marathon runners, some others I see are already out of breath.”

He said his centre-right New Democracy party is aiming to remain self-reliant and launched an attack on opposition parties, accusing them of lacking any credible governing alternative. The prime minister also took a swipe at former premier Alexis Tsipras, saying he is attempting a political comeback.

“Their only concern is not how to govern the country. It is how to bring down New Democracy and how to limit Mitsotakis. We won't do them the favour.”

Dilemma for voters

Mitsotakis then set out what he framed as the choice at the next election, asking whether voters would risk the country's achievements with experiments that had been tried before, or stick with a government that, despite its mistakes, had carried the country forward.

“Will we endanger what we achieved with experiments we tried in the past, or will we continue with a government that, despite its mistakes, has taken the country forward?”