![\"Samaras](\"https:\/\/www.ekathimerini.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/samaras-320x200.jpg?v=1611923411\")
In his first public comments since being expelled from the New Democracy party, former Greek PM Antonis Samaras launched a fierce attack on the government, particularly its foreign policy.<\/p>\n
Speaking at a conference on Greek foreign policy, Samaras addressed the reasons behind his expulsion, calling it a premeditated decision. He said, \u201cI believe I spoil the broth of permissiveness, appeasement, and the crisis of the middle class.\u201d<\/p>\n
Samaras added that his expulsion reflected a larger shift within ND, describing it as \u201ctransforming into the Potami party,\u201d referencing the centrist party that was dissolved in 2019. Samaras also critiqued the government\u2019s foreign policy, describing it as one of appeasement instead of deterrence.<\/p>\n
He condemned the government\u2019s handling of Turkish provocations, specifically citing the \u201cTurkey-Libya memorandum\u201d and Turkish activities near the Greek island of Kasos. \u201cWe sign \u2018Declarations of Friendship\u2019 with Turkey while they violate our rights near Kasos,\u201d he remarked. He further questioned the government\u2019s response to Turkish aggression, asking why Greek officials had allowed Turkish forces to be informed of Greek activities in the area.<\/p>\n
He also highlighted concerns over Greece\u2019s soft stance in international diplomacy, claiming that Cyprus was pressured to accept a Turkish diplomat as the OSCE\u2019s secretary-general. \u201cIs it true or not that Greece pressured Cyprus to accept [Feridun] Sinirlioglu\u2019s candidacy?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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