Former PM Samaras accuses government of concessions in the Aegean

Former Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras has accused the government of compromising national sovereignty in the Aegean, warning that recent developments surrounding the laying of an undersea cable could lead to a new diplomatic crisis with Türkiye.

In a statement, Samaras warned of what he described as a potential “new Imia” and “the Prespa of the Aegean”, drawing parallels with previous disputes involving Greece and its neighbours.

He said he had already warned on October 25 about the consequences of accepting Türkiye's request to be formally informed about developments concerning the project.

Questions over French diplomatic involvement

Samaras raised questions about the diplomatic handling of the issue, particularly France's involvement.

He asked who had authorized France to send a diplomatic note to Türkiye on behalf of Greece, who had approved its contents and why the French vessel involved in the project waited for Ankara to be notified before proceeding.

The former prime minister accused the government of pursuing what he described as secret diplomacy, arguing that its approach risked allowing Turkish actions to establish faits accomplis and create uncertainty over the status of Greek areas.

He warned that such developments could have wider consequences for Greece's position in the Aegean.

Government avoids direct response

The government has not issued an official response to Samaras' latest accusations.

According to the report, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is seeking to avoid giving the former prime minister additional publicity or escalating the political confrontation.

However, government representatives could still face questions about the issue in television interviews and public appearances.

The controversy adds to the political debate over Greece's handling of relations with Türkiye and the protection of its sovereign rights in the Aegean.

Source:Kathimerini