The “national defeat” that Alexis Tsipras had identified over the F-35 issue has now returned as a question directed back at him. Following the response from the US State Department regarding Turkey, government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis, speaking during a briefing for political reporters, called on the former prime minister to explain the predictions he had previously made.

The government spokesperson reiterated Athens’ established position that it does not comment on the defence procurement programmes of other countries and instead focuses on strengthening Greece’s own capabilities. However, following the US State Department’s statement, he directly referred to the former prime minister.

“Does Mr Tsipras have anything to say?” Marinakis asked, adding that “things that until 2019 were false dreams have now become reality — and more than that.”

Mr Marinakis also criticised the issue of non-state universities, describing Alexis Tsipras’ position as a “half U-turn”, arguing that Tsipras now accepts the operation of branches of foreign universities in Greece but does not support the revision of Article 16 of the Constitution, which currently prohibits private universities.

He also included PASOK in his criticism, accusing the party of inconsistency between its support for constitutional reform and its vote against the law allowing non-state higher education institutions.

He further focused on the upcoming vote on constitutional revision and the possibility that the required majority may not be secured in the next Parliament.

“If another several years are lost — at least ten years — the responsibility will lie exclusively with PASOK,” he stated.

Regarding the prosecutor’s recommendation concerning Christos Triantopoulos, the government spokesperson distinguished between allegations of a cover-up involving illegal cargo and the judicial investigation into actions taken at the site of the Tempi train disaster.

“The decision of the Judicial Council is imminent,” he said, noting that its ruling will determine the next steps and whether there will be a referral for the establishment of a Special Court.