The importance of direct contact with citizens and businesses, even in the age of artificial intelligence, was underlined by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during his discussion with the president of SELPE, Kostas Gerards, in the context of the General Assembly of the Hellenic Retail Business Association.
The prime minister referred to the concept of “retail politics”, noting that in politics, as in retail, there is no substitute for human contact and the relationship of trust. He praised the role of SELPE as an institutional interlocutor of the government and the opposition, stressing that substantive dialogue is a basic prerequisite for solving problems and shaping effective policies.
Referring to the announcements at the TIF, Kyriakos Mitsotakis reiterated that the government’s central goal is to increase disposable income and the rapid convergence of the Greek economy with the European average. As he stated, the country has already covered about two thirds of the distance that separated it from Europe after the crisis, having achieved economic stability and sustainable growth, without fiscal risks. At the same time, he stressed that the progress of the economy must translate into tangible benefit for citizens and workers.
The prime minister noted that since 2019 the government has set as a central priority the support of entrepreneurship, through interventions in taxation, employer contributions and the broader institutional framework. As he said, the state should not function as an opponent of businesses, but as a supporter of growth
Artificial intelligence as a challenge and a tool
He placed particular emphasis on the effects of artificial intelligence on the economy and the labor market. He acknowledged that there is reasonable concern about possible job losses, especially in physical retail, however he estimated that technology can function as a tool for enhancing productivity and not as a substitute for the human factor. Mr. Mitsotakis stressed that artificial intelligence can be utilized to improve public services, citing gov.gr, health, and civil protection as examples. He even announced that the results of integrating the new technology into the digital services of the public sector will soon begin to become visible. At the same time, he emphasized the need to train public employees and pointed out that data constitute the main wealth of the new digital era.
At the same time, he pointed out that artificial intelligence raises significant practical, but also philosophical issues, which governments are called upon to manage in a timely manner, in order to avoid social tensions and reactions.
Imbalances in global trade
Referring to international competition and in particular to Chinese e-commerce platforms, the prime minister spoke of imbalances in the global economy, noting that China, as a commercial superpower, channels a huge volume of products into international markets. As he said, Europe is considering interventions that will ensure equal terms of competition and did not rule out the possibility of imposing additional taxes or tariffs, an issue which, as he mentioned, could also be discussed during the Greek presidency of the European Union. He clarified, however, that consumers have the right to seek the most affordable products.
In the same context, he focused on the intense competition exerted by the Chinese automotive industry on European companies in the sector, estimating that the European Union will move toward a measured tightening of the rules, so as to give European companies time to adapt.
On the issue of prices, the prime minister stated that competition contributes to keeping them in check, pointing out that the possibilities for direct intervention in purchase costs are limited. He stressed, however, the importance of clear market operating rules, inspections, and the imposition of fines, where required.
He also made particular reference to the spread of electronic transactions, describing them as one of the most important achievements of recent years. As he said, their expansion contributes to increasing public revenues and gradually leads to the shrinking use of cash.
In closing, Kyriakos Mitsotakis commented that he often receives criticism that he functions as the chief executive officer of a company, saying that he does not consider this approach negative. As he stressed, politics must learn from the principles of retail: to listen, to respect the citizen, not to take them for granted, and to adapt quickly to changes. “We are not by definition irreplaceable,” he characteristically stated, pointing out that success requires speed, adaptability, and the ability to make decisions even when not all available data exist.
SOURCE: ANA