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The elections will sink the Greek prime minister: Mitsotakis intends to occupy one of the leading positions in Brussels
In the event that Ursula Von der Leyen fails to secure a majority of votes in the European Parliament in the upcoming elections for the head of the European Commission, the current Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis may step in as an alternative candidate from the ranks of the European People's Party (EPP). ).
But to have a chance, he must first win against Emmanuel Macron. Mitsotakis can say that he is not interested in the post. But in reality, he is setting the stage from 2022 to become the next top EU official.
Backed by Manfred Weber, he has practically become the number two of the EPP, significantly strengthening his profile within the union. In fact, the EPP president himself might want to give Ursula von der Leyen another chance.
After all, she was the one who overthrew Spitzenkandidat (leading candidate) Weber 5 years ago, appearing seemingly out of nowhere to snatch the presidency from him. Now Von der Leyen is expected to encounter quite a few difficulties in her aim to be re-elected for another term.
The strengthening of the position of national-conservatives throughout Europe is changing the balance of power, both in Brussels and in Strasbourg. Some of her former key supporters are now skeptical about her candidacy.
According to Bloomberg, French President Emmanuel Macron, who played an important role in electing Ursula von der Leyen as president of the European Commission 5 years ago, has already entered into talks with EU leaders to find another candidate for the post. high post.
The other main option currently being discussed is Mario Draghi. The Italian veteran seems to have the support of Emmanuel Macron. But his candidacy may not appeal to EU member states that disagree with his views on the debt issue.
Mitsotakis and Macron were once very close to each other.
In 2021, Greece and France signed an agreement in the field of defense. Athens bought a squadron of French Rafale fighter jets, FDI frigates, and negotiated the purchase of several corvettes.
French energy giant TOTAL was also one of the favorites for planned offshore drilling in the Exclusive Economic Zone in Greek waters. However, the spirit of the "Greece-France alliance" did not stand the test of time.
Last year, Greece announced the purchase of American F35 fighter jets, as well as its interest in joining the US Navy's frigate-building program. At the same time, Athens submitted to pressure from the US and Turkey and did not declare its maritime zones in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Recently, the relationship between the two leaders has even been strained.
In February, the group Macron's Renewal criticized Mitsotakis in the European Parliament, supporting a resolution strongly criticizing Greece over shortcomings in the country's rule of law.
Meanwhile, a few weeks ago, the French president canceled his visit to Greece, where he was to participate in the Olympic flame lighting ceremony. This is how the Greek prime minister realized that if he wants to stay alive in the race for a higher European post, then he must regain the support of his old ally.
In a surprise move, Greece last month announced the purchase of another batch of French Rafale fighter jets, dropped its interest in building and buying US Constellation frigates, and is considering buying another French IHD frigate. .
"It is more than clear that the prime minister is using the defense budget of Greece to pursue his personal ambitions," former Director of Communications of the Ministry of Defense, Andreas Papakyriakopoulos, told 'Brussels Signal'.
"And for exactly the same reason, the Greek authorities are not blaming the Italian railway company that runs the Greek railways for the tragic Tempi accident that killed 57 people," he adds. In fact, Mitsotakis may also need Giorgia Meloni to achieve his goals of taking over the presidency of the European Commission or the European Council.
The Italian head of the ECR group is expected to have a decisive role in the developments in Brussels after the next European elections. As all polls suggest that in the next European elections, the Greek ruling party is expected to lose 20-25 percent of its voters in 2023. So it is understandable that Mitsotakis would want to move to Brussels. But according to critics, this goal has a cost, and it should be paid by Greek taxpayers./ Pamphlet & "Brussels Signal"
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