Kyriakos Mitsotakis, speaking in Parliament, defended the doctrine of an active foreign policy grounded in the country’s strengthened defense capabilities. He made clear that the “calm waters” policy regarding Greek-Turkish relations does not in any way preclude safeguarding national sovereignty and sovereign rights.

The discussion covering the full range of diplomatic issues took place following an initiative by the Prime Minister, who reminded opposition parties that “diplomacy cannot be confused with revolutionary gymnastics” and that “national decisions are not made in cafés or on TV panels.”

Mr. Mitsotakis used strong language against those criticizing the “calm waters” approach to Greek-Turkish relations.

“Why and how do some so easily condemn this policy of calm waters? What do we want, then? Troubled waters? Storms? Accidents and tensions?” he asked, adding: “I would recommend much greater restraint today to the fake patriots who always declare themselves battle-ready from the safety of their couches, or to those fighting anonymously from the ‘trenches’ of their computers.”

He also clarified that, through an initiative by the Greek government, the requirement of unanimity was established for any potential EU–Turkey agreement on defense programs promoted by the Union.

“If Turkey wants to participate in the SAFE program, it must lift the casus belli and the regime of ‘gray zones’,” he stated.

Mitsotakis also clashed sharply with Nikos Androulakis and Sokratis Famellos over the Gaza Peace Conference, the EU’s defense architecture, and other key foreign policy issues. He accused the opposition of double talk, claiming that in closed-door briefings by Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis at the National Foreign Policy Council, opposition parties show a spirit of consensus, yet in Parliament and on camera, they say the opposite.

Addressing specifically PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis, who had said Greece played the role of a “still-life prop” at the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Conference in Egypt, Mitsotakis replied: “You spoke, Mr. Androulakis, about a ‘still life’. I wonder — if we hadn’t been invited, what would you have said then? Were you bothered by our presence? If you were in my place, what would you have done — grabbed Trump by the lapel and told him, ‘Go back, Mr. Trump’?”

He continued: “Mr. Trump’s manner may be off-putting, but he is the elected President of the United States and a strategic partner of our homeland.”

Responding to reactions from PASOK MPs — and addressing SYRIZA’s benches as well — he added:
“No, Mr. Androulakis, I am the Prime Minister of Greece, and I ensure my country is strong — not the laughingstock it was under SYRIZA. I am telling you truths you don’t like.”

Responding to SYRIZA leader Sokratis Famellos, he also commented on recent developments with Alexis Tsipras, saying: “You are defending the policy of a Prime Minister who abandoned you and left your party. But that’s your issue — one you’ll have to resolve in the Left’s internal soul-searching.”

Mitsotakis also informed Parliament of positive developments regarding the Monastery of Saint Catherine at Mount Sinai, announcing that following intensive talks between the two countries’ foreign ministers, there is a preliminary mutual understanding between Greece and Egypt — with the final say belonging to the Sinai Brotherhood.

According to this understanding, the character of the Monastery will remain unchanged, any conversion of the Monastery or other religious sites is prohibited, and provisions are made to ensure the monks’ continued presence.

At the same time, Mitsotakis announced an initiative for a joint meeting of all Eastern Mediterranean coastal states to explore the potential for cooperation in key areas — such as maritime zones and migration — based on International Law and the Law of the Sea.

On the Power Cable Project

The Prime Minister reiterated that the electric interconnection project is of primary importance for Cyprus, which remains in energy isolation.

“The Cypriot side raised issues concerning the project’s financial viability. In full coordination with the President of Cyprus, we have drawn up a plan to overcome these challenges,” he said.

On the OPEKEPE Inquiry

Responding to his political opponents’ remarks regarding the parliamentary inquiry into the OPEKEPE (Greek Payment and Control Agency for Guidance and Guarantee Community Aid) case, the Prime Minister said he had no objection to any witnesses being called to testify.

“Let whoever you want come before the inquiry — the ‘frappé guy’, the butcher, the greengrocer, Mylonakis, whoever you wish,” he quipped.

He added that the inquiry’s proceedings show the case has long-standing, systemic characteristics.

“Do you really believe this issue concerns only New Democracy? Do you think that all PASOK officials — especially in Crete — had no involvement at all? So let everyone come to the inquiry. The government will not stand in anyone’s way,” he concluded.