This week is crucial. What makes it crucial is the meeting of the Prime Minister of Greece with the Turkish President in New York on Wednesday.

There, Kyriakos Mitsotakis will explore the intentions of the other side. There, he will see if Erdogan has turned a new page or, as is more likely, if he is just taking a break from constantly provoking Greece due to the significant problems his country is facing.

Regarding his own position, Mr. Mitsotakis was very clear in response to a question he received at the press conference he gave at the Thessaloniki International Fair:

“The issues of territorial integrity and national sovereignty will never be on the table for me,” he said. “The issues concerning the islands in the Eastern Aegean are not issues I will discuss with Turkey,” he noted.

However, during the Thessaloniki International Fair, the Prime Minister also raised an important practical issue for which he was promptly criticized:

“It is time,” he said, “for Greece to start a public dialogue about mandatory insurance for all properties, all homes, all productive units against natural disasters. In a place that faces fires, floods, and even earthquakes, this pursuit becomes a one-way street and is simultaneously a form of collective protection in which we all have a duty to participate.”

We, dear readers, who live abroad, know that it is almost unthinkable not to insure our properties, such as our homes, against disasters.

Many things can happen that could destroy them, and we could find ourselves on the street, for example, due to a fire, flood, or even a tree falling on them.

How will repairs or reconstruction, which can amount to significant sums, be carried out without insurance?

Won’t the owner of the house be financially ruined?

So, what is more logical than purchasing insurance?

The criticism aimed at the Prime Minister is that many people do not have the money for insurance – but many Hellenes abroad struggle to pay for insurance for our homes.

However, insuring one’s home is not a luxury; It is a necessity. At the very least, a basic insurance plan is necessary for one to sleep peacefully.

Additionally, the Prime Minister was asked if he would seek one of the top political positions in Europe, as is being discussed.

“I’m not going anywhere; I’m staying here,” he replied. “I infinitely prefer to represent Greece in Europe than to represent Europe in Greece… So, I will respond to those who think they can get rid of me by sending me to a European position – I don’t intend to go anywhere.”

First and foremost, all this speculation is a tribute to the Prime Minister, as it recognizes his radiant international reputation.

I don’t remember anyone accusing Tsipras, for example, of planning to move to a top European position.

So, fortunately, Mitsotakis is staying in Greece. He still has much to offer to the country.