Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis launched a fierce attack on Alexis Tsipras over his remarks on defense procurement programs and the purchase of F-35s, as well as on PASOK over the amendments it submitted to parliament, during today’s briefing for political reporters. He also sought to highlight the results of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Athens, placing particular emphasis on Rubio’s statements about Turkey and the Greece-Cyprus electricity interconnection.
Responding to Tsipras’s criticism about when the U.S. fighter jets will be delivered, Marinakis argued that the former prime minister is either unaware of basic facts about the procurement programs or is trying to present a different reality.
“It is puzzling how Mr. Tsipras is unaware of basic facts about our country’s defense procurement programs, which are of fundamental importance,” he said, making clear that Greece will receive the F-35s earlier than the timeline the former prime minister referred to.
As he explained, the first delivery is expected in November 2029, while training of Greek pilots on a Greek aircraft will begin in the United States at the start of that same year. He also noted that the procurement agreement was signed on July 24, 2024, and that the first phase of the F-16 upgrade has already been completed.
The government spokesman argued that under the New Democracy government, the situation in defense procurement has been completely reversed, as Greece secured its participation in the F-35 program while Turkey continues to face obstacles.
He also contrasted Tsipras’s statements with what Rubio said during his visit to Athens and in his interview with Kathimerini, noting that the U.S. secretary of state appeared more cautious than the former prime minister about Ankara’s prospects of acquiring F-35s.
“Mr. Tsipras presented things better for Turkey regarding defense programs than the official actually responsible for the matter did in his answers,” he commented, recalling that Rubio cited the restrictions set by the U.S. Congress and spoke of a possible sale that is still many years away.
“I don’t think it is reasonable for a politician who was a former prime minister, and who wants to be prime minister again, to present things about our neighboring country more favorably than the U.S. secretary of state does,” he added.
Raising the tone even further, he accused Tsipras of not simply opposing the government with his stance, but of turning against the national interest.
“In this way, Mr. Tsipras is not engaging in cheap opposition against the government, but against the country’s interests,” he said.
Criticism of PASOK and Its Amendments
The government spokesman also took aim at PASOK over the two amendments it submitted to parliament on reducing VAT on the islands and providing financial support to fishermen.
Marinakis argued that the proposal to cut VAT rates by 30% on all Greek islands with populations of up to 3,100 residents is not compatible with EU law, since the areas where reduced rates can be applied are strictly defined by European legislation.
He also called the proposal to create a mechanism to compensate for VAT revenue on islands with up to 130,000 residents unfounded, arguing that PASOK does not specify which other resources would fund it.
As for the second amendment on fishermen, the government spokesman described it as “uncosted,” citing Article 73, paragraph 3 of the Constitution, which sets out the conditions for submitting amendments that involve a fiscal burden.
He also noted that the Ministry of Rural Development has already announced that support for fishermen will be doubled, and that a legal framework exists for additional aid, provided it has been costed.
Marinakis on Rubio: “His Statements Are the Best Answer to the Fearmongering”
Marinakis placed particular weight on Rubio’s visit, seeking to respond to criticism of the government over the Greece-Cyprus electricity interconnection.
“Once again, some people rushed to draw conclusions before a visit was over,” he said, giving assurances that the electricity interconnection project will move forward according to the original plan.
As he said, Rubio’s statements now add to the actions already taken by the Greek and Cypriot governments with the help of the French company.
“We now also have what Marco Rubio said, which is the best answer to all the fearmongering we have seen recently,” he said.
In the same context, the government spokesman took new shots at Tsipras for previously referring to the project as a “telecommunications” cable instead of an electricity interconnection.
Marinakis called these remarks “extremely unfortunate,” claiming that one of them was removed from a video posted on the official channel of the former prime minister’s party. He acknowledged, however, that in his interview today, Tsipras correctly described the project as an electricity interconnection of European interest that aims to end Cyprus’s energy isolation.
Protest Outside Israel’s Embassy Called “Horrific”
Finally, the government spokesman was highly critical of the protest held outside the Israeli embassy on October 7, the anniversary of the Hamas attack.
“This initiative was horrific because of the day on which it took place,” he said, accusing the organizers of valuing human life selectively.
He made clear, however, that the government recognizes the same value in every human life, whether Israeli or Palestinian. He also pointed out that current law does not allow the Hellenic Police to ban a protest based on the motives or political views of those taking part.
As he explained, the right of assembly is protected, within the limits set by law, regardless of whether the content or timing of a protest provokes reactions.
