In an interview with BankingNews.gr’s online television channel, BN TV, and the show MAGGA with Angie Stathatou, independent MEP and university professor Nikolas Farantouris speaks about his next political steps following his expulsion from SYRIZA, as well as his relationship with former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras. He clarifies that although some may have regretted expelling him, SYRIZA is now a closed chapter: "That story is over. Whether the party, the leadership team, or some colleagues who remained silent have regretted it is their business. I am moving forward. I am sorry that some regretted this unjust, undemocratic, and foolish decision," he pointedly notes.
However, his journey as an independent MEP does not seem destined to continue much longer, as Mr. Farantouris reveals that processes are underway with PASOK: "The fact that I am independent does not mean I will remain a lone rider. Sooner or later, I will frame my political discourse within a group," he emphasizes.
Jabs at Karystianou
Regarding new initiatives to form political parties, such as those of Maria Karystianou or Alexis Tsipras, the MEP states that he supports collective, institutionalized processes rather than "person-centered initiatives": "No matter how attractive the leader's persona may be, it could be a stillborn initiative," he says, sending a message to multiple recipients: "I am interested in talking in the light, not in closed rooms, not with backroom deals, not behind closed curtains and screens."
Siding with Karamanlis
Nikolas Farantouris agreed with former Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis, who in a statement—evidently referring to the expulsion of Samaras—had emphasized that some people are better to be consulted than expelled. He referred to his 22-year acquaintance with Kostas Karamanlis, dating back to when he represented the Hellenic Republic as an advisor, and noted significantly: "It impressed me that Karamanlis was a man who wanted to put things in order. I believe he had the disposition to set the country on serious and good paths."
Returning the friendship to Samaras
Nikolas Farantouris also speaks in positive terms about Antonis Samaras, whom he claims still has much to offer: "He has honored me with his trust and our discussions, exchanging views on the country's course. I return his friendship twofold and believe he still has much to offer to the homeland."
Greece is playing Turkey's game
Regarding the recent meeting between Mitsotakis and Erdogan, the independent MEP comments on the possibility of a hidden agenda, while simultaneously referring to "low-policy" agreements. He leaves clear implications that Greece played Turkey's game, and indeed without any reciprocation, lambasting the government's foreign policy: "Turkey is trying to appear as a force of stability. We are giving them that, and I fear we are giving it without anything in return. We are gifting Turkey this narrative of a stability power, which it clearly is not, as it systematically violates International Law and human rights," says Mr. Farantouris. He adds: "With the recent NAVTEX, Turkey split the Aegean in half and told us that from the 25th meridian onwards, you won't cough without asking me. So, how did we respond? Neither the NAVTEX was mentioned at the Summit, nor the lifting of the casus belli."
Mitsotakis doesn't want to upset the Sultan!
In the same context, Mr. Farantouris refers to the Greece-Cyprus electrical interconnection, which, despite European funding, has lagged behind, resulting in the risk of losing 700 million euros: "We don't want the project because we don't want to upset the Sultan! Calm waters, then, at what price? Gradual retreat?" he wonders.
Games for a two-speed Europe
Nikolas Farantouris denounces the moves made by some European leaders to create a two-speed Europe and refers to the actions he has taken in the European Parliament regarding the unprecedented activity of funds and servicers in Greece. He cites triangular transactions, abusive practices, companies with common shareholders, and "matryoshka companies in tax havens and offshore destinations" that take the property of Greek citizens for a pittance, backed by state guarantees from the "Hercules" program.
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