C’est la vie,’ Greek PM Mitsotakis Says After Canceled Erdogan Talks and Turkey Disputes
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis used a pointed phrase in French—“C’est la vie”—to underscore Greece’s stance in the latest chapter of relations with Turkey.
Speaking in an interview with The Wall Street Journal during his visit to New York, Mitsotakis addressed Ankara’s irritation over Greece’s recent diplomatic and energy initiatives.
His comments came against the backdrop of the canceled meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the broader recalibration of bilateral ties.
Greece – Turkey: Energy and sovereignty
On Greece’s decision to move forward with hydrocarbon exploration south of Crete, Mitsotakis was unequivocal. “We exercise our sovereign rights south of Crete.
This is acknowledged by Chevron, and we will continue on this path,” he said. Asked about Ankara’s objections, he added: “If what we do causes discomfort in Turkey, so be it. That’s life.”
Athens’ initiatives include the designation of marine parks, exploratory talks with Libya on maritime boundaries, expansion of its defense program, and the position that Turkey’s participation in the EU’s SAFE program requires lifting the longstanding casus belli.
Greece – Turkey: Building bridges through tourism
Despite the tensions, Greek Prime Minister pointed to tourism as an example of practical cooperation between the two peoples. More than 100,000 Turkish visitors traveled to Aegean islands this summer through a fast-track visa program, he noted.
“This is a people-to-people project that shows how we can build on our relationship when it comes to citizens,” the prime minister said.
Tourism continues to be Greece’s largest sector, with 36 million visitors expected this year and over 100 direct weekly flights from the United States. Still, Mitsotakis stressed the importance of sustainability, extending the season beyond the summer peak, and upgrading the country’s tourism offering.
Economic resilience and growth
Mitsotakis also highlighted Greece’s economic turnaround.
“From the brink of bankruptcy, Greece has become one of Europe’s best-performing economies,” he said, noting that borrowing costs for Greece are now lower than those of France.
He attributed this to fiscal discipline and structural reforms. “It’s always difficult to explain to citizens that you need to run surpluses to reduce debt—but we did it at the fastest pace in the OECD,” he remarked.
The government has also raised the minimum wage from €650 ($759,06) to €880 ($1.027,65), reduced taxes for young people—ensuring those under 25 pay no income tax—and supported the middle class. “We are creating a virtuous cycle where growth brings more revenue, which we reinvest in public services,” he said.
Looking ahead
Mitsotakis emphasized that the EU’s NextGenerationEU recovery funds, which expire in 2026, will be followed by new financing opportunities, particularly in areas such as climate policy and social solidarity. “There will be no sudden stop,” he assured.
In his remarks, the prime minister balanced firmness toward Turkey with a message of economic confidence and resilience, presenting Greece as both a stable partner and a country determined to defend its sovereignty.
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