PM Mitsotakis to advance Greek-Turkish relations

Determined to pursue a "progressive" policy in the field of international relations as well as on the domestic front through broader consensus, Kyriakos Mitsotakis approaches the beginning of his new term as Prime Minister, even without the opposition's willingness to cooperate due to partisan calculations.

At the forefront of the Prime Minister's attention are the Greek-Turkish relations following the new landscape shaped by Vilnius. Regarding the internal political agenda, efforts will be made to seek convergences with other political forces on issues such as the new regulations for Public Organizations' administrations, Article 28 concerning non-state universities, same-sex marriage, and the exclusion of Elias Kasidiaris from the upcoming municipal and regional elections.

Regarding the pipelines, as previously mentioned, Greek-Turkish relations will be a top priority for Mr. Mitsotakis in the next four months. The summit meeting with Tayyip Erdogan is seen as an opportunity to explore lasting solutions with Ankara. Diplomatic sources attribute Erdogan's specific stance to his temperament, while the communication channel between Gerapetritis and Fidan is already active.

Furthermore, the Turkish side can be ready for a broader turn, possibly seeking to resolve the major pending issues in bilateral relations, such as the delimitation of the EEZ and the continental shelf, in a cooperative manner with The Hague's support.

A significant indicator of the possible Turkish willingness for comprehensive solutions is the discussion about the TAP pipeline. Ankara aspires to channel natural gas from the Black Sea to Europe via Greece. This scenario aligns with US interests and ensures cooperation between Greece and Turkey in the energy sector.

In the next period, Mr. Mitsotakis will seek broader consensus, depending on the progress made in Greek-Turkish relations or the potential path to The Hague. The government will also seek consent regarding the new legislative framework prepared to prevent Elias Kasidiaris, who is already convicted, from running in the upcoming local elections. The proposed regulation aims to prevent candidates convicted of serious crimes from being eligible for mayor, regional governor, or municipal or regional councilor positions. The government acknowledges that the regulation may leave some room for maneuvering but emphasizes that Kasidiaris will not have a role in Local Government, just as he didn't in the new Parliament.