Turkish newspaper Hurriyet praised the stance of SYRIZA and its leader Alexis Tsipras after the main opposition party voted against the defence spending included in the 2022 Greek state budget.

The Turkish newspaper with the title: “Tsipras accusations against Mitsotakis: Why are we equipping ourselves?” “Will we become a superpower?” lauds the Greek opposition party over its position.

The article states: “Former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, leader of the SYRIZA party in Greece, strongly criticised Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis for defence spending, during the discussion of the 2022 budget in parliament. Armaments spending, 515m euros in the 2020 budget, has risen to 2.5 billion euros this year, and is projected to reach 3.3 billion euros in 2022. Tsipras said: “Why this arms race? Why do we do it? ”

Commenting on SYRIZA’s refusal to vote in favor of defence spending, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said: “The first six Rafale are landing in Tanagra in January. And in the coming weeks the final agreement for the 3 Belharra frigates will be signed “he said, adding:” At this juncture – I want the Greek people to hear this – at this juncture having inherited Armed Forces which for 10 years had no upgrading, at this juncture, the official opposition is voting against defence spending, once again breaking with a tradition in the Greek Parliament that says that despite our disagreements, the opposition has always voted for defence spending. The people will draw conclusions. You are always present in what divides and always absent in what unites. Let it be! The National Front, Mr. Tsipras, is being formed even without your participation “.