“The Prime Minister said what he wanted to say publicly, in the Parliament,” say government officials – They acknowledge that the response from Samaras’ associates constitutes an escalation in the internal party front.
The response has been given by the associates of former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras to the remarks made by Kyriakos Mitsotakis regarding his stance at a recent public event, where he was seen alongside the president of the SYRIZA parliamentary group, Nikos Pappas.
Samaras’ associates clarify that the Prime Minister’s remarks are unrelated to the meeting in question but concern Greek-Turkish relations.
Specifically, in the statement from his associates, it is mentioned that Mr. Samaras remains steadfast regarding the Novartis case conspiracy, noting that “he will hold all responsible parties accountable until the end.” However, it is emphasized that the real reason behind Mitsotakis’ attack is the escalating provocations from Turkey, such as the recent Navtex that denies the continental shelf of Kasos, Lesbos, and Chios.
Samaras’ associates call on the government to focus on serious issues concerning the country’s borders instead of “dangerous flirtations” and short-lived “friendship agreements” with Turkey.
Government Reaction
“The Prime Minister said what he wanted to say publicly, in the Parliament,” states a government source to protothema.gr, without providing further details. There is significant annoyance at the Maximos Mansion regarding Mr. Samaras’ stance in recent times, while government officials acknowledge that the statement from Mr. Samaras’ “associates” constitutes a move to escalate tensions on the internal front.
Detailed Statement from Antonis Samaras’ Circles:
“It is clear that Mr. Mitsotakis is attacking Mr. Samaras not because he greeted the leader of the opposition who happened to sit next to him at a public event…
Besides, Mr. Samaras’ statement about the Novartis conspiracy, that he will hold all responsible parties ‘until the end,’ remains unchanged.
The real reason lies in the ‘calm waters’ with Turkey that are now being disrupted daily through multiple provocations. Like just now, with the new Turkish Navtex. This informs us that not only Kasos but neither Lesbos nor Chios have a continental shelf!
So let’s focus on serious issues at our borders. Without other truly dangerous flirtations, short-lived ‘friendship agreements,’ and bows.”
It is noted that according to information from protothema.gr from government sources, there is no expectation of a response to Mr. Samaras’ statements.
Background
It is recalled that everything started when Kyriakos Mitsotakis left during Nikos Pappas’ speech in Parliament.
Watch the video of Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ departure from Parliament.
Afterwards, during his second speech, he explained his stance by stating that he does not recognize Mr. Pappas as the representative of the opposition, as he is “a politician condemned with 13-0.”
His remark that “I will not converse, I will not flirt with Mr. Pappas” is interpreted as a sarcastic comment on the recent meeting between former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras and Nikos Pappas.
Watch the relevant excerpt from Mr. Mitsotakis’ second speech.
