Aleksis Tsipras, leader of the Radical Left Alliance (SYRIZA) in Greece, included Turkish deputies targeted by New Democracy (ND) Leader Kiryakos Mitsotakis and party staff.
Tsipras discussed with interim Prime Minister Ioannis Sarmas the allegations that SYRIZA was officially informed by the Greek Intelligence Organization (EYP) that Mitsotakis was “supported by the Turkish consulate”, and that Hüseyin Zeybek and Özgür Ferhat were “supported by the Turkish consulate”.
Saying that the minority was used by Mitsotakis as election material, Tsipras pointed out that Mitsotakis’ rhetoric contains various dangers.
Tsipras, who ranked Zeybek and Ferhat first on the candidate lists in the general elections to be held in Greece on 25 June, accused Mitsotakis of “using” the EYP.
Tsipras stated that EYP leaked some information to media organs close to ND. Expressing his concerns on this issue, Tsipras said, “The EYP served the interests of Mr. Mitsotakis with illegal wiretaps.” said.
“Things will be more difficult if you don’t support us,” said Aleksis Tsipras, ND staff member Dora Bakoyannis in the Turkish villages he went to during his visit to Western Thrace. He also evaluated his speech as “brute blackmail”.
ND spokesman Akis Skerços, addressing the minority in a television program he attended, said, “If they want to have the explicit rights that Greek citizens have, they must support the MPs who support the Greek national policy.” said.
In the general elections held on 21 May in Greece, New Democracy was the first party in 58 of 59 constituencies across the country. Only in the Rhodope region, where Komotini, where Turks live intensely, is also located, SYRIZA finished ahead in the election race.
Upon this, Bakoyannis, in his speech during his visit to Western Thrace on 9 June, stated that he was disappointed because the people of the Rhodope region supported SYRIZA, “I expect your support. If you do not support me, I cannot support you tomorrow. Everyone in Athens is like me.” “He doesn’t like the minority. I’m here to give that message. We’re looking for support. If you don’t support us, things will get harder.” he said.
Mitsotakis, on the other hand, claimed that Turkey interfered in the general elections in Greece, and claimed that the Turkish Consulate General in Komotini was campaigning for two candidates of the main opposition SYRIZA. (AA)