Apostolakis: Mitsotakis’ statement about “gaps” in defense capabilities is extremely worrying – 2024-07-14 00:14:42

Evangelos Apostolakis describes a statement made by the Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, in an interview he gave in the context of the NATO Summit, regarding “gaps” in the country’s defense capabilities, as a result of support to Ukraine, as extremely worrying.

The head of the National Defense Department of SYRIZA PS states in particular that “the statement of the Prime Minister is extremely worrying, however, it unfortunately confirms the concerns and warnings that we, SYRIZA -PS, having the responsibility of the official opposition in the country , we had emphasized at every given opportunity.” Mr. Apostolakis mentions that in his questions and speeches in the Parliament he had emphasized that, “we do not agree with the sending of weapons systems but also that any aid given to Ukraine should not come at the expense of our country’s defense capabilities” and ” in response we had received an assurance that such a thing would not happen.”

“Now the prime minister of the country comes and talks regarding “gaps” in the defense armor. In addition, it refers to the need to support the domestic defense industry, without so far any initiatives have been taken in this direction”, adds the head of the SYRIZA sector. He also mentions that “indeed, while armament expenditures amount to several billions, not a single euro is directed to the domestic defense industry, despite our constant proposals in favor of the need to support domestic production.”

Finally, he emphasizes that “national defense is a serious matter and must be treated as such, having the necessary cross-party consensus and understanding for the benefit of the country”.