Kyriakos Mitsotakis

Kyriakos Mitsotakis
Kyriakos Mitsotakis
Born	March 4, 1968 (age 58); Athens, Greece
Occupation	Politician
Years active	2004–present
Known for	Prime Minister of Greece (2019–present)

Kyriakos Mitsotakis (, ; born 4 March 1968) is a Greek political figure who has held the position of prime minister of Greece since July 2019, with the exception of a short interval in mid-2023. Since 2016, he has been at the helm of the New Democracy party, advocating for economically liberal and centre-right policies.

Before becoming prime minister, Mitsotakis was the Leader of the Opposition from 2016 to 2019 and served as Minister of Administrative Reform between 2013 and 2015. He is the son of former Prime Minister Konstantinos Mitsotakis and first entered the Hellenic Parliament in 2004. After New Democracy suffered electoral losses in 2015, he assumed party leadership in January 2016 and successfully guided it to a parliamentary majority in the 2019 Greek legislative election.

Following an inconclusive result in the May 2023 Greek legislative election, Mitsotakis called for an early election in June. During this interim period, caretaker prime minister Ioannis Sarmas was appointed. In the subsequent June election, Mitsotakis regained a parliamentary majority and resumed his role as prime minister.

His tenure as Prime Minister has been marked by a pro-European stance, technocratic leadership, and enforcement of austerity policies. Mitsotakis played a key role in advancing Greece’s digital transformation and reforming public administration. His economic stewardship led to Greece being recognized by The Economist as the Top Economic Performer for 2022, notably due to the early repayment of €2.7 billion in bailout funds and approaching investment-grade credit ratings.

Mitsotakis has also pushed forward social reforms such as legalizing same-sex adoption and marriage. While his government received backing from the EU regarding migration management, it faced criticism over alleged pushbacks, which his administration denies.

His time in office has not been without controversy, including accusations of rising corruption levels, a decline in press freedoms, and involvement in a wiretapping scandal in 2022. Additionally, his government encountered public disapproval over its handling of the Tempi train disaster and significant wildfires that occurred in 2021 and 2023.

In 2024, concerns were raised by the European Parliament about the state of rule of law under Mitsotakis’ administration.

Early life and education

Born on 4 March 1968 in Athens, Kyriakos Mitsotakis is the son of Marika (née Giannoukou) and former Greek prime minister and New Democracy leader Konstantinos Mitsotakis. At the time of his birth, his family was confined under house arrest by the Greek military junta of 1967–1974, which had branded his father persona non grata and imprisoned him during their rule. When Kyriakos was six months old, with assistance from Turkish Foreign Minister İhsan Sabri Çağlayangil, his family fled to Turkey, subsequently relocating to Paris before returning to Greece in 1973. Mitsotakis has controversially referred to his initial six months as a period of political imprisonment.

He completed his secondary education at Athens College in 1986. He then pursued a bachelor's degree in social studies at Harvard University from 1986 to 1990, where he was awarded the Thomas T. Hoopes Prize. His senior thesis was published under the title The Pitfalls of Foreign Policy. Following this, he earned a Ford Dorsey Master's degree in International Policy at Stanford University between 1992 and 1993, and subsequently obtained an MBA from Harvard Business School from 1993 to 1995.

Professional career

Between 1990 and 1991, Kyriakos Mitsotakis held the position of financial analyst within the corporate finance sector at Chase Bank in London. Following the completion of his compulsory national service in the Hellenic Army from 1991 to 1992, he joined McKinsey & Company between 1995 and 1997, where his work concentrated on telecommunications and financial services. From 1997 until 1999, he served as senior investment officer at Alpha Ventures, the private equity division of Alpha Bank, managing both venture capital and private equity transactions. In 1999, Mitsotakis established NBG Venture Capital, the private equity branch of the National Bank of Greece, acting as CEO until 2003 and directing investments throughout Greece and the Balkans. In January 2003, he was recognized as a global leader of tomorrow by the World Economic Forum.

Political career

Mitsotakis played a role in New Democracy’s national campaign during the 2000 legislative elections. In 2004, he secured election to the Hellenic Parliament for the Athens B district, achieving the highest vote count among all New Democracy candidates nationwide.

On 24 June 2013, he was appointed Minister of Administrative Reform and e-Governance in Prime Minister Antonis Samaras’s cabinet, a position he held until January 2015. In this role, he spearheaded extensive reforms aimed at institutional restructuring, reducing public sector size, and modernizing tax administration.

Throughout 2015, Mitsotakis served as New Democracy’s parliamentary spokesperson, articulating party policies and maintaining parliamentary scrutiny. He openly criticized then-Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis for actions perceived to have weakened bailout negotiations during Greece’s third economic adjustment program.

After New Democracy’s loss in the September 2015 snap election and Antonis Samaras's subsequent resignation as party leader, Mitsotakis was the first to announce his candidacy for leadership. Although considered an outsider compared to interim leader Vangelis Meimarakis, he placed second in the initial voting round.

On 10 January 2016, Mitsotakis was elected president of New Democracy by a margin close to 4% over Meimarakis. Soon after his election, opinion polls indicated that New Democracy had overtaken Syriza for the first time in a year.

In the 2019 European elections, his party garnered 33% of the vote, reclaiming support from former Golden Dawn voters. This outcome precipitated Parliament’s dissolution and triggered a snap election.

Press freedom

During Mitsotakis’s administration, press freedom in Greece has deteriorated, marked by rising violence against journalists and weakening media independence. Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, his government allocated more than €20 million to pro-government media outlets and channeled funds toward outlets providing favorable coverage. In November 2021, legislation criminalizing the dissemination of "fake news" was enacted; it allows imprisonment for up to five years if false information is judged to damage public trust in economic stability, defense matters, or public health. Although Mitsotakis later admitted that passing this law might have been erroneous, it remains enforced.

Migration

During the European Migrant Crisis, Mitsotakis adopted a stringent stance, enforcing the return of thousands of migrants to prevent their entry into Greece—a practice his administration denies implementing. Despite facing allegations, he received commendation and €700 million in financial aid from the European Union for his management of migration policies.

Wiretapping scandal

In July 2022, PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis revealed an attempt to infiltrate his phone using the spyware "Predator". In a confidential parliamentary session, P. Kontoleon, head of the Greek Intelligence Service, acknowledged that his agency had surveilled journalist Thanassis Koukakis, who also reported being targeted by "Predator". An inquiry uncovered connections between Grigoris Dimitriadis—Mitsotakis's nephew and general secretary—and Felix Bitsios, the proprietor of the company distributing "Predator", leading to Dimitriadis’s resignation. Soon after, Kontoleon resigned amid accusations that his agency had wiretapped Androulakis’s phone. Mitsotakis has actively obstructed investigations related to this scandal.

The issue drew international media scrutiny due to controversial government conduct hinting at attempts to hide facts. Despite opposition calls for transparency and further probes, Mitsotakis's government survived a no-confidence motion in January 2023.

Mandatory COVID-19 measures and vaccinations

In December 2020, Mitsotakis faced backlash after being photographed without a mask during Greece’s nationwide lockdown when mask usage was compulsory. On 6 February 2021, during a visit to Icaria to review COVID-19 vaccination efforts, he attended a lunch gathering with up to 40 people, breaching containment regulations. This event attracted significant media criticism. Mitsotakis issued a public apology, admitting the image caused public distress and promising it would not happen again.

In May 2021, as the government announced reopening for tourism starting 14 May, certain restrictions remained temporarily in place. These included SMS authorization requirements at specific venues, a nightly curfew beginning at 00:30, mandatory mask-wearing both indoors and outdoors, bans on music in cafes and restaurants, as well as indoor dining closures for the entire month. Casinos operated under rigorous health protocols. Mitsotakis indicated there was no definite timeline for lifting these restrictions but estimated tourism for 2021 would reach about half of 2019 levels.

The World Travel and Tourism Council awarded Greece the "Global Champion Award for COVID-19 Crisis Management," recognizing the country as a leading example worldwide for safely reopening tourism amid the pandemic. Mitsotakis also received credit for introducing the vaccine pass system that was later adopted by most EU nations.

Train collision

On 28 February 2023, a freight train and a passenger train traveling in opposite directions between Athens and Thessaloniki were mistakenly directed onto the same track, resulting in a head-on collision near Tempi that claimed 57 lives. Following widespread protests across Greece, Prime Minister Mitsotakis publicly apologized, accepted responsibility, and vowed to reform the long-neglected railway infrastructure. The government pledged over €270 million to recruit additional personnel and implement digital control systems by August.

First term (2019–2023)

In the 2019 legislative elections, New Democracy secured victory by obtaining 39.85% of the vote, translating into 158 parliamentary seats. On 8 July 2019, Kyriakos Mitsotakis was officially sworn in as prime minister and assembled his cabinet, which notably included Makis Voridis, an appointment that sparked international controversy.

Starting from 2019, Mitsotakis' administration embarked on a broad privatization agenda targeting tourism infrastructure, coastal properties, and state holdings in gas and electricity firms as well as Athens airport. The government introduced tax reforms designed to attract investors through reduced rates and incorporated safeguards protecting beneficiaries from future alterations in policy.

The summer of 2020 saw the passage of the "big growth bill," which curtailed strike rights and eliminated collective bargaining agreements that had been reinstated by the preceding administration. Migration policies were tightened, leading to reduced healthcare access for impoverished foreigners and a reduction in public housing support for asylum seekers from six months to one. Environmental regulations were amended to ease the process for oil exploration activities.

The government's handling of the COVID-19 crisis earned commendation, particularly for its efficient vaccine distribution program, partially funded by Greece’s allocation of €31 billion from the EU Recovery Plan. Mitsotakis pushed for a faster vaccine rollout across Europe and introduced the common COVID-19 certificate later adopted continent-wide. Pandemic control measures included restrictions on movement and temporary business shutdowns between March 2020 and May 2021.

Labor law changes implemented in August 2020 permitted employers to terminate contracts without prior notification or justification. Additionally, the anti-fraud unit within the tax authorities was disbanded and merged into the Ministry of Finance.

On matters of regional security, Mitsotakis condemned Turkey’s assertive actions in the eastern Mediterranean and called on NATO to more decisively back Greece’s strategic interests.

In July 2020, he granted honorary Greek citizenship to American actors Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson.

On 16 May 2022, Mitsotakis met with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House, becoming the first Greek prime minister to deliver an address before a joint session of the U.S. Congress.

Throughout his tenure, Mitsotakis received a mixed reception for his pro-European, technocratic style of governance, austerity measures, and pandemic management. The Economist recognized Greece as the Top Economic Performer for 2022, highlighting early repayment of €2.7 billion in bailout loans and progress toward investment-grade credit status. Nonetheless, his government faced criticism over rising corruption levels, declining media freedom, involvement in scandals such as Novartis bribery allegations and wiretapping controversies, as well as public backlash following the Tempi train disaster. While his migration approach gained support within the EU, it also attracted accusations of pushbacks—claims his administration denies.

2023 elections

On 22 April 2023, Mitsotakis requested Parliament’s dissolution, citing political stability as essential for achieving investment-grade status. The subsequent election was scheduled for 21 May, just ahead of constitutional deadlines.

Although New Democracy won the largest share of votes, it did not secure an absolute majority. With coalition talks failing to produce an agreement, Mitsotakis called for a snap election in June. In the interim period starting 24 May, President Sakellaropoulou appointed Ioannis Sarmas as caretaker prime minister.

In June 2023, Mitsotakis led New Democracy to a parliamentary majority and was sworn in once more after receiving authorization to form a new government.

Second term (2023–present)

In July 2023, Mitsotakis revealed intentions to legalize same-sex marriage in Greece, aiming to resolve the matter within a four-year timeframe. On 17 September, he reiterated this commitment to the proposed schedule.

By October 2023, Mitsotakis publicly denounced the Hamas-initiated assault on southern Israel and affirmed Greece's support for Israel's right to defend itself. While Greece initially agreed to contribute to NATO's support initiatives, it subsequently endorsed a United Nations call for a ceasefire.

During 2024, his administration put forward legislation to permit private higher education institutions, igniting debates about constitutional adherence. Additionally, reforms targeting taxation and income frameworks were introduced. Bills advocating for same-sex marriage and adoption rights for same-sex couples were also presented, signaling a progressive policy shift despite substantial resistance from conservative groups and the Greek Orthodox Church. To secure backing before parliamentary votes, Mitsotakis arranged informational sessions for party members expressing reservations; however, these efforts reportedly did not sway dissenters.

The proposal to establish private universities drew sharp criticism for allegedly contravening Article 16 of the constitution. Constitutional scholars and opposition factions contended that founding private academic entities without amending the constitution was unlawful. This sparked widespread demonstrations opposing the initiative. Attempts to amend the constitution were deemed impractical due to a lack of sufficient parliamentary majority.

On 6 March 2024, during an official visit to Ukraine, a Russian missile detonated near Mitsotakis's convoy, resulting in five fatalities. This event highlighted ongoing regional security challenges amid persistent conflicts.

In the 2024 European Parliament elections, Mitsotakis's party experienced a decline in voter support, dropping to 28% from nearly 41% in the June 2023 national election. This setback motivated centre-left parties (Syriza, PASOK) to propose forming a unified opposition front for future electoral contests.

In May 2024, Mitsotakis held talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara, focusing on developments in the Middle East and Ukraine, bilateral relations, and strategies to boost trade and collaboration. They agreed on a follow-up meeting scheduled for September in New York. Mitsotakis stressed the importance of resolving the longstanding Cyprus dispute. Subsequently, on 20 July 2024, he visited Nicosia to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, reaffirming Greece's dedication to reunification efforts.

On 30 March 2025, Mitsotakis met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. The two leaders reaffirmed strategic partnerships and discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation, especially in defense matters. The encounter sparked controversy due to Netanyahu’s standing with the International Criminal Court regarding alleged war crimes in Gaza.

Personal life

Mitsotakis is the younger sibling of Dora Bakoyannis, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Mayor of Athens, and uncle to Kostas Bakoyannis, who has served as Regional Governor of Central Greece and Mayor of Athens. He is married to Mareva Grabowska, an investment banker with British, Greek, Polish, and Egyptian heritage. Together they have three children: Sophia, Konstantinos, and Daphne.

Proficient in Greek, English, French, and some German, Mitsotakis hails from a distinguished political family that holds considerable influence within Greece.

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