The presence of Defense Minister Nikos Dendias in Lorient, France, for the launch of the second frigate “NEARCHOS,” revealed the acquisition of a fourth Belh@rra frigate, something previously hinted at by protothema.gr. This is a crucial decision by the government, with the Ministry of Defense coordinating with the Prime Minister’s office and the Ministry of Finance to secure funding for the exercise of the Greek option.

According to Pentagon sources, Dendias’ announcements also indicate a wider initiative to upgrade the Navy, which had fallen behind other military branches. This includes the modernization of MEKO frigates and submarines, as well as the construction of parts of the FDI frigates at Greek shipyards.

Καθώς η χώρα μας ετοιμάζεται να υποδεχθεί την πρώτη φρεγάτα Belharra και την ημέρα που στα ναυπηγεία της Naval Group καθελκύεται η δεύτερη ενώ κατασκευάζεται η τρίτη, ξεκινούν οι διαδικασίες για την προμήθεια και τέταρτου σκάφους αυτού του τύπου. https://t.co/UnMu1O9XrW pic.twitter.com/Zyltc5CHPq

— Prime Minister GR (@PrimeministerGR) September 19, 2024

Naturally, the choice to exercise the Greek option, along with the overall intervention for the Navy, is a political decision with strategic goals. “The expenditure for this new purchase has been budgeted in a way that does not disrupt our fiscal discipline. However, it was deemed necessary, as the defense of our country is an unwavering priority. Greece is growing stronger,” Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated in a post.

“We are strengthening our presence in the Eastern Mediterranean, while also protecting the borders and interests of the European Union. We never question the legitimate rights of other countries in the region,” emphasized Nikos Dendias from France.

Dendias’ statement on the launch of the Belharra

At the same time, internal dynamics within the ruling New Democracy (ND) party remain delicate. With no substantial opposition, ND MPs have taken on that role themselves, as demonstrated by a group of 11 MPs who raised a question about non-performing loans to Finance Minister Kostis Hatzidakis. Some MPs insisted that Hatzidakis did not adequately answer their concerns, with Nikitas Kaklamanis accusing him of “parliamentary misconduct” by including a detailed statement from the Secretary General of Private Debt, Theoni Alambasi, in his response.

The government, through Pavlos Marinakis, adopted a diplomatic stance, describing the MPs’ actions as part of the standard parliamentary oversight process. However, Kaklamanis’ criticism reportedly upset Hatzidakis, who indicated that he will not be a “punching bag.” Hatzidakis has emphasized that his response partly covered actions already taken and addressed ongoing issues related to the Katseli law.

Internal sources suggest that this is just the beginning, with more interventions expected, including on security issues, local government, and foreign policy. “Staying home is over for ND MPs,” remarked a party member, describing the changing landscape within the ruling party. Notably, the Secretary of ND’s parliamentary group, Stavros Kalafatis, has been meeting with groups of MPs, and many have also had meetings at the Prime Minister’s office recently.