Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis is scheduled to meet Greek President Tasoulas at 11 a.m. as part of their regular briefings. The agenda is expected to include Turkey, Greece’s defense posture, the transfer of Patriot missile systems, the possible emergence of new parties led by Alexis Tsipras and Maria Karystianou, and delays affecting participants in the “My Home II” housing program.
Government officials acknowledge that tension with Turkey could rise if Ankara proceeds with a unilateral move. The armed forces, they say, are preparing for all contingencies.
The issue comes as Ankara promotes legislation linked to the “Blue Homeland” doctrine. Asked whether such a move could escalate tensions, government officials said the answer would depend on the content of the legislation.
Government aides also responded to Evangelos Venizelos, who accused Mitsotakis of arrogance over his claim that voters face a choice over who has the ability to make high-level international calls. Venizelos had asked whether Mitsotakis would call Donald Trump, the president of the European Commission, someone in the United Arab Emirates or Benjamin Netanyahu.
Maximos Mansion officials said Mitsotakis can speak directly with all of them, or with anyone else needed.
“The truth is not arrogant. Kyriakos Mitsotakis has earned that ability,” officials said.
The government is also monitoring the possible creation of two new parties by Tsipras and Karystianou. Officials continue to portray Tsipras as a former prime minister rejected by voters after what they describe as a failed administration with serious consequences for the country. They view Karystianou differently, focusing instead on the people around her and raising questions about their role in the political landscape.
On defense, government officials said decisions on the movement of Patriot missile systems from Karpathos to mainland Greece fall under the planning of military staff. They said Karpathos remains part of the country’s overall defense planning, and that a pair of Mirage 2005 fighter jets will be stationed at the island’s airport.
The briefing is also expected to cover the Recovery and Resilience Fund and the “My Home II” program. According to government circles, Greece is completing full absorption of available resources. Participants who were unable to finalize contracts because of bureaucracy and delays will be given until August to do so, through a workaround involving the Hellenic Development Bank and under the same terms.
According to government figures cited in the article, Greece has received 24.6 billion euros from the Recovery and Resilience Fund, equal to 68.5% of the budget, in less than five years. The government says 204 implementation milestones have been completed and that contracts under the business loan component of the fund have reached 27.5 billion euros.
