Greek Prime Minister delivers Oxi Day speech in Thessaloniki

On October 28, 2026, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis attended the annual military parade in Thessaloniki to commemorate Oxi Day. The event, which opened with the participation of ELDYK 1974 veterans, served as a platform for the Prime Minister to reaffirm Greece's commitment to peace and its rejection of threats or blackmail from external actors.

Mitsotakis highlighted that the current administration is overseeing the largest military modernization program in the nation's history. He emphasized that the integration of advanced, modern weaponry is essential for maintaining a strong deterrent posture. The Prime Minister stated that this defense strategy is supported by economic stability and the ongoing sacrifices of the Greek people, framing the military advancements as a necessary response to regional geopolitical uncertainty.

The address underscored the historical legacy of the generation that resisted fascism and Nazism, framing it as a guide for current national policy. Mitsotakis noted that while Greece pursues a peaceful diplomatic path, the state maintains a firm stance, ensuring that freedom and national security remain non-negotiable pillars of its current governance.