Former Prime Minister Samaras criticizes Greek government over Aegean diplomatic stance

On November 13, 2026, former Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras issued a sharp critique of the government led by Kyriakos Mitsotakis, focusing on the handling of the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) project and broader Aegean diplomacy. Samaras characterized the government's recent diplomatic decisions as a policy of appeasement toward Turkey, warning that these actions echo the conditions surrounding the 1996 Imia crisis and describing the current path as the "Prespa of the Aegean.

Central to the controversy is the French diplomatic note sent to Turkey regarding the activity of a French vessel related to the GSI project. Samaras contends that the government has accepted Turkish demands for information, effectively allowing third parties to represent Greek interests in a manner that compromises national sovereignty. He has formally posed six questions to the government, demanding clarity on who authorized the French diplomatic intervention, the content of that note, and the specific reasons behind the delayed departure of the French vessel.

This criticism follows previous warnings made by Samaras on October 25, 2026, regarding the risks of engaging with Turkish demands. The former Prime Minister's statements reflect ongoing internal political tensions concerning maritime boundary disputes and Greece's strategic energy infrastructure projects involving Turkey.