Μake us preferred on Google Greek government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis said Wednesday that the outcome of the U.S. midterm elections would not affect relations between Athens and Washington, describing the United States as a strategic ally and emphasizing the importance of Greece’s contacts with influential members of Congress.
“Greek-American relations will remain strong. The United States is a strategic ally, and nothing will be affected by this result,” Marinakis said, commenting on the latest developments in the U.S. elections and the Democrats’ victory in the Senate.
He also highlighted the importance of maintaining ties with politicians expected to hold influential positions in key congressional committees.
“It appears that people with whom the Greek government has good relations will serve on the key committees, and that is important for the country,” he said.
Marinakis argued that Greece’s standing in Washington reflects broader acceptance of the country across both U.S. political parties. He contrasted this with what he described as Greece’s “absolute isolation” during the government of former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, saying the country now plays a leading role in European affairs.
He added that Greece’s positive image in the U.S. Congress was not a temporary development but reflected bipartisan recognition of the country.
Marinakis criticizes Tsipras over 2019 criminal codes
The government spokesman also addressed the political dispute with Tsipras over the criminal codes adopted in 2019, following recent comments by the former prime minister defending the legislation as based on expert recommendations.
Marinakis accused Tsipras of attempting to return to the political stage by rewriting the country’s history. He also criticized his record in office, referring to the Novartis case and former ministers convicted of breach of duty.
Tsipras’s government had four and a half years to introduce the changes to the criminal codes, Marinakis argued. He also cited remarks by former SYRIZA Justice Minister Stavros Kontonis, who had described the disputed provisions as an “extreme act of entanglement.”
“Mr. Tsipras should not turn around and blame us. The issue was raised by his own justice minister,” Marinakis said.
Government defends its approach to Turkey
Marinakis was also asked about recent criticism by former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras of the government’s foreign policy and its handling of relations with Turkey.
Defending Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ approach, Marinakis said Greece had strengthened its position over the past seven years by following a consistent national strategy.
“Our position toward Turkey has been clear: yes to dialogue, without making any concessions,” he said. “I do not see any defeat. I see a Greece that has held talks with the Turks, but no one has raised the issue of casus belli.”
The term refers to Turkey’s declaration that an extension of Greece’s territorial waters in the Aegean Sea to 12 nautical miles would be considered a cause for war.
Marinakis said Greece sought peaceful coexistence with Turkey without abandoning its claims or making concessions.
He also addressed the electricity interconnection project between Greece and Cyprus, saying the project would proceed according to its established timetable.
“We will under no circumstances back down on the cable, which is a European project and ends Cyprus’ energy isolation,” he said, responding to those who have described the handling of the issue as a national defeat.
Marinakis explains withdrawal of debt-servicing provision
The spokesman also defended the government’s decision to withdraw Article 23 from a bill concerning loan servicers, companies that manage loans on behalf of financial institutions and investment funds.
Marinakis said the provision was removed not because it was flawed, but to prevent it from becoming an excuse for opposition parties to reject the entire bill.
He accused the opposition of focusing on Article 23 while overlooking the other 16 provisions, which the government says include measures benefiting borrowers.
Marinakis also criticized Tsipras over policies introduced during the former SYRIZA-led government, including allowing loans to be transferred to investment funds, ending the protection of primary residences from foreclosure and introducing electronic property auctions.
He contrasted those measures with the current government’s interventions, which he said had provided relief to thousands of people.
