In a sharp political critique, Maria Karystianou — leader of the party Elpida gia ti Dimokratia (Hope for Democracy) — has launched a strong attack against Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis over Greece’s stance at the recent NATO summit and in ongoing Greco-Turkish relations. She accused the government of failing to use available diplomatic tools to defend national interests.
‘Silence’ Amid Ankara’s NATO Ascendancy
Karystianou argued that Mitsotakis’s approach reflects what she described as a policy of ‘silence’ toward Turkey’s growing influence within NATO and European defense structures. In a social media post, she referred to Greece’s position as one of ‘muteness’ in the face of developments in Ankara — and even cited ‘disrespect’ toward the prime minister himself, though not as a point of defense, but rather as evidence of his leadership failure.
Veto Power as a National Duty
Her criticism goes beyond rhetoric. Central to her argument is Greece’s non-use of its veto right on issues directly affecting national interests — particularly those tied to Turkey’s enhanced role in NATO and EU defense cooperation. Karystianou called the veto an ‘inalienable right’ and Greece’s ‘primary diplomatic card,’ asserting that refraining from using it amounts to what she termed ‘national betrayal.’
Criticism Extends to the Opposition
The post also includes pointed remarks about the opposition parties, which she accused of passive or virtually non-existent engagement. According to Karystianou, political forces are preoccupied with ‘pre-election vote-hunting’ while critical strategic balances — vital for Greece’s future — are being shaped elsewhere.
Emotion and Condemnation
Expressing deep frustration, Karystianou said she feels ‘shame, anger, and disappointment’ over the government’s posture on both the NATO summit and Greco-Turkish tensions. In closing, she used stark language, declaring that those who — in her view — have ‘betrayed, across generations, the land of our ancestors and our children’ will neither be forgotten nor forgiven.