On a double front – diplomatic and economic – Kyriakos Mitsotakis is expected to move at the end of November and early December. The prime minister is considering, according to parapolitika.gr sources, attending events in Constantinople during the historic visit of Pope Francis and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, at a juncture of particular symbolic and geopolitical significance. Immediately after, he will travel to London to participate in the major investment conference of Morgan Stanley and the Hellenic Stock Exchange, while contacts regarding the major national issue of reuniting the Parthenon Sculptures are not ruled out.
The Pope’s program and Mitsotakis’ potential presence in Constantinople
In the events commemorating 1,700 years since the First Ecumenical Council, Pope Francis and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew will participate jointly, culminating in their visit to Nicaea in Asia Minor at the end of November. According to the Vatican, the Pope’s journey carries the central message “one Lord, one faith, one baptism,” highlighting the common roots of Christian traditions.
The program includes:
- November 27: Pope’s departure from Rome to Ankara.
- November 28: Travel with Patriarch Bartholomew to Nicaea for an Ecumenical Prayer Meeting at the Basilica of Saint Neophytos. Arrival in Constantinople in the evening.
- November 29: Visit to Sultan Ahmed Mosque, doxology at the Phanar, private meeting with the Patriarch and signing of joint declaration. Liturgy at Volkswagen Arena.
- November 30: Visit to Armenian Cathedral and participation in Saint Andrew’s throne feast at the Phanar. Departure for Lebanon.
According to parapolitika.gr sources, Kyriakos Mitsotakis is considering the possibility of attending the events in Constantinople.
The London trip and Greek economy in Morgan Stanley spotlight
Immediately after, on December 1st and 2nd, the prime minister will travel to London for the Greek investment conference by Morgan Stanley and the Hellenic Stock Exchange, where top bankers, businesspeople and representatives of Greece’s largest listed companies are expected to attend. Parapolitika.gr sources report that Minister of National Economy and Finance Kyriakos Pierrakakis will also be in London.
The conference, which essentially caps off a year of international recognition for the Greek economy, will focus on the country’s performance, strong growth, banking sector dynamics and the investment confidence environment.
Developments on the Parthenon Sculptures issue
Meanwhile, according to “Ta Nea” newspaper, the prime minister may possibly have contacts regarding the reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures, an issue that has remained open for four years through discussions with British Museum chairman George Osborne.
Athens-British Museum discussions remain active, with Osborne having proposed transferring 20% of the sculptures to the Acropolis Museum for a limited period — a proposal the Greek side does not accept, insisting on the permanent reunification of the 75 meters of frieze, 15 metopes and 17 figures from the pediments. British Museum trustees reportedly rejected the Greek demand but appear willing for “compromise” solutions, involving deposits of objects and renewable agreements for gradual shipments of additional sections.
Museum director Nicholas Cullinan, while stating there is no possibility of returning all the sculptures, leaves open the possibility of cooperation through loans, exchanges and joint research. Kyriakos Mitsotakis acknowledges that progress is not as desired, however estimates that the British Museum’s renovation could create new opportunities. Meanwhile, Culture Minister Lina Mendoni emphasizes that the reunification goal is “closer than ever in the last fifty years.”
