Developments in the Middle East dominated discussions during parliamentary committee sessions regarding the overseas voting bill. PASOK MP Panagiotis Doudonis opened the interventions, expressing the main opposition’s deep concern over Middle East escalation and making clear that PASOK “firmly believes in following the diplomatic path.” He warned that anything else “risks leading us to further complications.” He emphasized the need for a “national line that is first and foremost serious and fully informed,” noting that national issues cover any development that threatens stability in the broader region, while expressing solidarity with “our Cypriot brothers who are suffering the consequences of this military conflict.”
Middle East: Opposition concern – Doudonis: “Everything is sacrificed on the altar of personal promotion”
He was particularly critical of government officials’ behavior, calling it “inconceivable for anyone to express themselves in stadium terms on social media about an ongoing military conflict.” Doudonis said characteristically: “Honestly, Minister, rein them in. Tell someone to rein them in,” referring to Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis. He argued that “it’s impossible to see the Health Minister representing the country expressing himself in this way,” noting that “everything is sacrificed on the altar of personal promotion in an informal race among New Democracy officials.”
He denounced that the management of critical issues is subordinated to “internal party balance issues and seeking friends or imaginary friends.” Closing his intervention, Panagiotis Doudonis emphasized that “the country needs seriousness” and demanded that every minister “understand their role as a minister and not as a TV commentator or participant in an internal party race of unknown direction.”
Taking the baton from the main opposition MP, SYRIZA MP for Achaia Theophilos Xanthopoulos expressed concern that the committee discussion unfolds “under conditions where our region is on fire. American imperialism with assistance from the state of Israel opened Pandora’s box. There was a response from Iran. But immediately the country must move in two directions: ensure it won’t be involved in this military confrontation in any way and move with consistency, organization and speed to evacuate Greek citizens. These are of decisive importance. The government must move very quickly and coordinately. The country is exposed. We learned from the press that areas of our country providing facilities are potential targets. The government must convene the leaders’ council to be informed about the situation and what the government intends to do.”
“The entire planet now lives with the certainty that we’re heading toward a new round of generalized military conflict”
For his part, KKE MP Giannis Delis read the letter sent by KKE General Secretary Dimitris Koutsoumbas to Parliament Speaker Nikitas Kaklamanis and Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, and Interior Minister Theodoros Livanios, requesting the latter’s statement. From New Left, South Sector MP Theano Fotiou argued that “the entire planet now lives with the certainty that we’re heading toward a new round of generalized military conflict.
Global Trumpism and authoritarian regimes are already moving where war is a constant threat. This is a profound ideological shift. That’s why today’s Georgiadis statement. From Marco Rubio we heard a position on Western hegemony. This is Trump’s political choice to strengthen the far-right worldwide. The basic strategy of the Mitsotakis regime is transforming Greece into the Israel of the Balkans by tying the country to Trump’s chariot and US interests. This strategy aligns not only with economic interests but with the country’s ideological militarization. We renew the demand for parliamentary briefing. The country must not be involved through Souda base in any military engagement and of course we must see the situation in Cyprus.”
Parashos Papadakis: “The Middle East situation is very difficult and worrying”
Parashos Papadakis, Evros MP from Greek Solution, stressed that “the Middle East situation is very difficult and worrying. It’s difficult to discuss a bill while knowing that right now our sister Cyprus is being hit. Withdraw the bill and convene the political leaders’ council. Maybe you should take this issue more seriously and suspend legislative procedures. We can’t sit here discussing the bill while Iran hits our sister Cyprus.
Meanwhile, Tasos Oikonomopoulos from the “Victory” party pointed out that “with bated breath the entire Greek people watches the most important weapon system we have, the frigate KIMON with 130 personnel, heading toward Cyprus to participate in military hostilities. To protect Greeks wanting repatriation. Instead of the Greek government dealing with this problem, we sit and discuss giving them votes, how many seats, etc. Maybe it’s time for parliament to show its human face and deal with repatriating these people, briefing Parliament and convening KYSEA.”
Finally, Course of Freedom MP Alexandros Kazamias argued that “since Saturday dawn we face generalized conflict in the region that seems to take dimensions threatening Greek territory. Conditions affecting our country and Cyprus have begun creating serious concerns. The Prime Minister in his weekly message spoke about the need for de-escalation and referenced international law. It needs clarification whether invoking international law leads to a Greek government position against US and Israeli attacks without immediate and dangerous threat from Iran. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack. Another issue is whether the Greek government will take a position banning use of Greek bases. These two are crucial to show our country isn’t involved in this war.” He added that “we had some briefing from the Deputy Defense Minister in closed committee. We raised our concerns and believe there should be a clear government stance. We express concern about events in Cyprus. There must be full respect for International Law and our country shouldn’t be involved in this conflict and should do everything possible for regional peace.”
