Former Greek Prime Minister Karamanlis criticizes government policy on Turkey

On October 25, 2026, former Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis publicly expressed disagreement with the current Greek government's foreign policy regarding Turkey, particularly concerning the Turkey-Libya memorandum. Speaking at an event hosted by the Union of Retired Officers at the War Museum to commemorate the 'Ohi' Day anniversary, Karamanlis argued that seeking permission from Turkey for projects in the Aegean is a dangerous concession.

Karamanlis characterized the recent ratification of the Turkey-Libya memorandum by the Libyan parliament as a negative development for Greek national interests. While acknowledging it may lack direct legal force, he described it as a calculated attempt by Ankara to create 'faits accomplis' and disrupt the status quo in the Aegean. He accused Turkey of seeking to deny the continental shelf and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) rights to Greek islands, aiming to expand its influence up to the 25th meridian.

This address highlights a deepening rift within Greek political circles regarding the approach of Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis. The former Prime Minister emphasized that such diplomatic concessions undermine sovereignty, signaling a firm stance against the government's perceived flexibility in ongoing tensions with Turkey.