Former Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis has ruled out running for the presidency of Greece, following a proposal by former PM Antonis Samaras.
Speaking at a book presentation in Patra, Karamanlis stated, “While the offer honors me, I must clarify that the matter neither concerns nor interests me.”
Karamanlis indirectly addressed the recent expulsion of Samaras from the ruling party, emphasizing that strong criticism should not be demonized or met with disciplinary measures, as these only hinder national unity.
Karamanlis condemned Turkey for raising “arbitrary and unfounded” claims regarding sovereignty and the demilitarization of islands, asserting that such issues are firmly grounded in international law. He called on Greece to decisively confront Turkey’s aggression and revisionism, maintaining clear positions on the sole dispute between the two countries: the delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf.
Turning to Greece’s economic crisis, Karamanlis criticized the austerity measures imposed during the bailout era, calling the policies punitive and ineffective. He highlighted the devastating impact on Greece, noting, “We lost 30% of our national income and nearly 50% of our standard of living.”
Karamanlis also criticized the European Union for failing to address economic disparities effectively. “Faced with a major challenge, European leadership chose a shortsighted and miserly approach. Instead of resource transfers from the wealthy North to the struggling South or debt mutualization through Eurobonds, ideologies of blame and distortion were deployed against entire nations,” he said.
The former PM blamed Germany’s dominant influence for steering the EU away from its founding principles, eroding citizens’ faith in the European vision.
