Opposition parties react to Mitsotakis–Erdoğan meeting

Greek opposition parties voiced differing reactions following Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara, with most calling for dialogue but criticizing the government’s handling of key national issues.

PASOK

PASOK foreign affairs spokesperson Dimitris Mantzos said dialogue with Türkiye must continue “without illusions, with realism and full awareness of the other side’s positions.” He stressed that as long as Ankara maintains what he described as revisionist claims, including references to a “Turkish minority” in Thrace and actions such as extended NAVTEX notices in the Aegean, prospects for resolving disputes over maritime zones remain limited. Mantzos underlined the need for a stable national strategy based on international law, strong alliances and active participation in international organizations.

GREEK SOLUTION

The Greek Solution party leader Kyriakos Velopoulos sharply criticized Mitsotakis, accusing him of making “dangerous” statements and mishandling minority and migration issues. He rejected references to minorities as “bridges of friendship” and criticized calls for cooperation with Türkiye on migration, claiming Ankara plays a central role in migrant flows.

COURSE OF FREEDOM

Course of Freedom leader Zoe Konstantopoulou said she felt “shame and indignation” over the prime minister’s appearance, accusing the government of showing excessive concessions while Türkiye continues to challenge Greek sovereign rights.

SYIRIZA

SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance said the meeting appeared aimed at projecting a positive image of bilateral ties without addressing substantive disputes. The party criticized what it described as the government’s lack of a coherent strategy, particularly regarding energy cooperation, the migration issue and the absence of clear planning for potential recourse to The Hague.

THE COMMUNIST PARTY 

The Communist Party (KKE) warned against “dangerous complacency,” arguing that fundamental disputes — including the casus belli, the “Blue Homeland” doctrine and minority issues — remain unresolved. It also criticized the focus on economic cooperation and NATO-related cooperation, claiming broader geopolitical arrangements risk harming both peoples.

NEW LEFT

New Left welcomed continued high-level contacts as a means of reducing tensions but stressed that negotiations must clearly define the scope of disputes. The party reiterated that respect for international law and human rights, particularly in migration policy, must remain central to Greece’s foreign policy.