Government’s Unclear Image and Opposition’s Gambles Amidst Turkish Purchase Rumors in Thrace

This is not an image of the government! Somewhere within the administration, they’ve lost their way. Because they continue to play without an opponent, they decided to restart the self-goals. How else can one explain the fact that at a time when the opposition was embroiled in new internal conflicts and the prime minister was on a crucial visit to Israel for national interests, various dissatisfied MPs from the government camp, including the two parliamentary representatives of ND (and simultaneously dissatisfied MPs like Plévrhs and Mētarákis), but even ministers (Kikílias, Georgiádis) rushed one after another to support the demand that the salary increases announced for military personnel also apply to police officers, port authorities, and firefighters. Thus nullifying the positive impact of the announced raises and starting a new cycle of introspection that the government does not need. What will the prime minister do now? Late yesterday afternoon (March 30, 2025) while the prime minister had successive meetings with the President and the prime minister of Israel, sources from the government leaked both Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ irritation and that under appropriate conditions and cost savings (as happened with YEPA), similar initiatives would be taken for the other three categories of uniformed personnel. Meanwhile, the damage was done. We dare make an estimate: For some within ND, it is evident that the discussion about the next day has not only begun but is already part of their daily agenda, with everyone taking a position. Likely, the prime minister, who would prefer to focus on real risks (those coming from the difficult international situation) and boosting governmental approval ratings, will have to deal – whether he wants to or not – with premature factionalism. There are those who say that early elections (e.g., this fall) might be a solution… Meanwhile, the opposition loses its footing… At PASOK, infighting continues, and Polákis (as expected) took up arms. The column has lost count of the incidents in both parties, but it is evident that Mr. Andrulákis faces daily intense criticism from his peers, while the ‘circles’ of Doukas have made an impression by attacking both the leader and other potential leaders (Geroulános, Diamantopúlou) over the very significant Batselís case. Regardless, Doukas, if you allow us, Athens primarily needs a mayor. In SYRIZA, it was only a matter of time before Paulos Polákis restarted his own game, clearly considering himself the true leader of what remains of SYRIZA. Rumors of Turkish purchases in Thrace and debt regulations… Let’s return briefly to the intra-governmental issues. The question by 11 ND MPs regarding Turkish ‘inroads’ into Thrace through company and property acquisitions was discussed not only within the government ranks. Many others demanded immediate state intervention to thwart Ankara. The column enjoys conveying opinions that are not aligned with its usual stance. Hence, we quote what prominent businessman Stamatís Kouroudís wrote on social media; his family controls 50% of Thrace Tanning, the largest player in the Greek leather industry based in Komotini. Here’s what Stamatís Kouroudís wrote: ‘Déjà vu. The 90s. It started as rumors: one after another, businesses in VIPET Komotini, but also hotels in Marónia, were said to be targeted by Turks. Soon came the request: ‘Regulate our companies’ debts because otherwise, the Turks will buy them.’ Meetings in supervisory boards, committees of bodies, descents of ‘actors’ to Athens to promote the request. For nearly five years, we suffered with this. No business was sold to Turks, nor did any interest even surface. Only the residue remained that here in Thrace, we continuously seek debt regulation.’ … [Continues with translated content] …