Marinakis on government's foreign policy
Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister and government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis gave a detailed assessment of the government’s foreign policy in an interview with the Sunday edition of Kathimerini newspaper, focusing on its stance toward Ukraine, relations with the EU and NATO, and efforts to strengthen Greece’s position on the international stage.
On Greece’s response to the Russia–Ukraine war, Marinakis stressed that supporting Ukraine is considered the only viable course of action, given the revisionist threats Greece itself faces. Defending Ukraine, he said, goes beyond allied commitments and reflects a defence of European values and principles promoted both by the EU and NATO.
Regarding Greece–U.S. relations, the spokesman dismissed criticism that the government favours only the Democrats, noting that Greek diplomacy has always maintained close ties across the entire American political spectrum. He recalled that the Prime Minister received a warm reception in Congress a few years ago and that Greece’s defence procurement programs enjoy the support of both Democratic and Republican senators.
Asked whether there are "two schools" of foreign policy within the government, Marinakis replied that foreign policy is unified and guided by decisions of the National Council for Foreign Affairs and Defence (KYSEA). He went on to highlight recent diplomatic achievements, including the signing of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) agreements with Italy and Egypt, the extension of territorial waters in the Ionian Sea from 6 to 12 nautical miles, the attraction of strategic investments from companies such as Chevron and ExxonMobil, and the reinforcement of Greece’s borders through maritime spatial planning.
On the issue of changing the electoral law, Marinakis stressed that no such matter is on the table, as the Prime Minister has already made clear.
Asked about the message the government intends to deliver at Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), Marinakis said the central goal is the adoption of permanent measures to increase citizens’ incomes through steady tax reliefs, strengthening the economy, and creating quality jobs. An equally important priority, he added, is supporting families: "The demographic crisis is hurting Greece, as it is many other countries. Building on the measures we have already taken, we need to provide even more substantial support to the average Greek family. In contrast to what is happening in most European countries — with France being the most characteristic example — we will continue to adopt measures that permanently raise citizens’ incomes," Marinakis concluded.