ND: Query by 11 MPs on Aggressive Real Estate Purchases by Turks in Thrace

Eleven MPs from the New Democracy party submitted a joint request for documentation to six ministries, highlighting concerns over aggressive real estate and business purchases in border areas by Turkish capital disguised as Greek or European companies. Led by Euripides Stylianidis, the MPs pointed out that recent years have seen a significant increase in such transactions, particularly in Upper Macedonia, Thrace, and the Eastern Aegean islands, which are not only ‘border’ but also ‘defense’ regions. They referenced complaints from notaries, lawyers, public officials, and citizens regarding these activities. Additionally, they cited remarks by the mayor of Alexandroupolis about ‘aggressive Turkish and Bulgarian purchases’ and ‘Muslim colonization of Evros.’ The MPs questioned responsible ministers on what measures the government plans to take against potential targeted property and business acquisitions by foreign capital in sensitive national areas like Thrace and the islands. They also asked who oversees the managers of ‘red loans’ funds and to whom foreclosed properties in border areas are being sold. Furthermore, they requested detailed tables from land registries, the National Cadastre, or local notary associations showing all transactions since 2011 involving foreign individuals or entities in designated border and defense regions.