Former prime minister Antonis Samaras on Friday launched a dual attack on the government, sharply criticizing its foreign policy toward Turkey while also denouncing its handling of the spyware scandal, which he said has seriously undermined democratic institutions.
On foreign policy, speaking in Parliament, Samaras accused the government of underestimating Turkey’s ambitions in the Aegean, Thrace and the eastern Mediterranean. He warned that Ankara’s so-called “Blue Homeland” doctrine could soon be formalized through legislation, describing this as a potential “turning point” in Greek-Turkish relations that could lead to a national crisis.
“The policy of appeasement is an illusion,” Samaras said, arguing that Turkish assertiveness has been encouraged by Greek concessions. He framed recent tensions as part of a long-term revisionist strategy by Turkey, adding that successive Greek retreats have emboldened Ankara.
He also accused the government of weakening Greece’s international position and urged stronger action within the European Union, including greater use of diplomatic leverage to deter Turkish moves. Samaras said Athens should coordinate more aggressively with allies before any Turkish legislative changes are enacted.
