Samaras: “How logical is it to speak of friendship with Türkiye?”
Former Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras has launched strong criticism against the Mitsotakis government’s approach to Greek–Turkish relations, questioning the logic of promoting friendship with Türkiye amid ongoing disputes over sovereignty.
Speaking to BEST TV, a local broadcaster in his hometown of Kalamata, Samaras stated:
“How logical is it for us to speak of friendship with Türkiye when our national sovereignty and sovereign rights are effectively being challenged?”
His remarks directly challenged the government’s diplomatic narrative and signaled growing internal dissent within Greece’s conservative political camp.
Criticism of Diplomatic Approach
Referring indirectly to Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, Samaras warned that Greece is being pushed into what he described as a “diplomatic savoir-faire environment”, where formal politeness and symbolic gestures overshadow substantive national issues.
“What can you possibly discuss with someone who has entered your garden and wants to share it with you?”
he asked, using a metaphor to underline his concerns over territorial integrity and diplomacy.
Sharp Attacks on Domestic Policy
Samaras also devoted a significant portion of his interview to domestic challenges, highlighting issues that directly affect everyday life in Greece.
“The cost of living is out of control, housing prices are excessively high, and teachers and doctors cannot find homes to live in,” he said, criticizing the government’s handling of the economy.
He described current economic policy as:
“Not popular capitalism, but neoliberalism for a very small number of people.”
Rift Within New Democracy
Reacting to comments by New Democracy MP Christina Alexopoulou, who recently stated that “the era of freebies is over,” Samaras countered:
“What is over is the party’s popular spirit.”
He went on to argue that there is a “psychological disconnect” between the party’s traditional grassroots base and its current leadership.
Opposition to Mercosur Agreement and OPEKEPE Scandal
Samaras reiterated his opposition to the EU–Mercosur trade agreement, while sharply criticizing the management of OPEKEPE, Greece’s agricultural payments authority.
“With OPEKEPE, all of Greece—and all of Europe—are making fun of us,” he remarked, suggesting serious reputational damage.
Criticism of Government Size and Self-Promotion
Accusing the government of prioritizing optics over substance, Samaras claimed it is breaking records for:
- The number of ministers and deputy ministers
- Public relations campaigns promoting a so-called “efficient state”
- Self-congratulatory rhetoric
“We no longer want these kinds of records,” he concluded.
Comment on New Political Initiatives
Finally, commenting on Maria Karistianou’s reported efforts to form a new political party, Samaras clarified that his connection to her is limited to a shared sense of human solidarity and grief, distancing himself from any political alignment.
Former Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras questions the logic of promoting friendship with Türkiye amid sovereignty disputes, while delivering sharp criticism of the Mitsotakis government’s foreign policy, economic management, and internal party direction.
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