The hour of the Parliament approaches for former Transport Minister Kostas Karamanlis. By July 15, a vote will determine if he is referred to a Preliminary Investigation and subsequently to the Judicial Council based on ND’s request to investigate alleged misconduct—a felony. Despite being from the party founded by Konstantinos Karamanlis, the case focuses on the national tragedy of the Tempi accident that claimed 57 lives, mostly aged 18-28. The government has paid a heavy political price, demanding catharsis amid public grief.
Karamanlis faces two strategic advice streams ahead of his parliamentary speech. Some suggest he should defend himself, potentially unveiling documents implicating other ministers or Maximou in security failures. Others recommend a softer approach. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis supports him before justice decides.
Concerns arise within the blue camp about potential leaks in the vote. To avoid internal backlash, only 30 MPs signed the proposal for preliminary investigation against Karamanlis. If fewer than 151 votes support the referral, it could provoke public outrage and tarnish ND’s reputation.
A diplomatic thriller unfolded after Egypt’s court decision threatened the ownership of the ancient Monastery of Saint Catherine. During President Sisi’s visit to Athens, Mitsotakis secured personal assurances from Sisi that the monastery’s status would remain untouched. Intense diplomatic efforts followed, including Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis contacting his Egyptian counterpart. A phone call between Mitsotakis and Sisi helped calm tensions, reaffirming commitments to preserve the monastery’s sacred status.
Former PM Antonis Samaras criticized the government’s handling, urging global mobilization to protect the monastery. Meanwhile, Defense Minister Nikos Dendias opposes Greece’s participation in the SAFE program with Turkey unless Ankara removes its casus belli against Greece, highlighting rifts within ND.