From Thessaloniki, former Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis launched sharp political criticism of the Mitsotakis government — quoting lyrics from legendary Greek songwriter Loukianos Kelaidonis. In his speech, Karamanlis recalled lines from Kelaidonis’ iconic 1980s hit: ‘Yes’ to those who belong, ‘yes’ to parties and fun, ‘yes’ to dogs and cats, ‘yes’ to action. ‘No’ to heroin and addiction. ‘No’ to the irrelevant, ‘no’ to the clueless, ‘no’ to the self-important.’
Power, Pride, and Patriotism
Karamanlis also issued a pointed warning about the seductive nature of power: ‘Love the honest, generous people. Keep your guard up around those excessively in love with themselves, with money — or with power.’
He delivered a message of national pride, urging listeners not to feel embarrassed by emotional responses to patriotic symbols: ‘If you feel a flutter in your soul, or a silent tear rolls down as you hear “I know you from the cut,” don’t be ashamed — don’t feel outdated or out of fashion. It’s your honor, your pride. You’re more “in” than anyone else. Remember: Greece is far greater than any one of us.’
A Call for Fresh Ideas and Historical Responsibility
Karamanlis stressed that Greece needs new energy and ideas: ‘Greece needs you. It needs your ideas, your freshness. Truth be told, we live in unheroic times — yet it’s vital to remember that our homeland is infinitely larger than ourselves.’
He underscored Macedonia’s deep historical roots, declaring: ‘We are Macedonians — genuine Macedonians. In 1912, the land beneath our feet was not yet Greek; our homeland was under long occupation. We did not lose our identity under tyranny — let us not lose it under conditions of freedom.’
Emphasizing continuity and responsibility, he added: ‘We are privileged heirs of our legacy — never forced, never willing, unlike others past and present, to turn necessity into history: to distort historical truth, or to appropriate or usurp the identity markers of others. This great fortune carries immense responsibility — to safeguard and continually reaffirm the values and meanings that bind us as a nation and as a society. Facing this high calling — with you, the young women and men, as our vanguard — we must rise to the challenge.’