The Alternate Minister of National Defence, Panagiotis Rigas, in a statement today, Friday 14 December 2018, on ERT 3 in Thessaloniki referred to the following:

Regarding the Prespa Agreement and the controversial points:

What SYRIZA has already stated in principle is quite clear. There is also a different approach. When this government alliance took place, we had a major objective that was fulfilled in the best possible way and with integrity both on our behalf and on behalf of the Independent Hellenes (ANEL) party, consisting in getting the country out of the crisis and fiscal surveillance. This objective has been met.

Now, our objective is to complete over the coming period, by October, all the positive measures that we have taken with the freedom that the Government has to implement them. Given that the country has been put on a path to growth, these results will reach most of the Greek society.

Apart from that, we have differences in ideology and different starting points with the ANEL party that cannot be concealed. Therefore, we also include the issue of the Prespa agreement into the strategic concept on the economic development of Macedonia region and at the same time, the establishment of security in the troubled Balkan region. Such a standpoint is consistent and timeless and contrary to a concept adopted by New Democracy governments over the previous years.

All those things we hear about for the sake of completeness, I believe that insult those who are uttering them, because again this morning I heard some pretty disturbing things about “engaging in a race to the bottom”. I do not mean that I am more patriot than anyone; but it is another thing to engage into a nationalistic rhetoric and encourage extreme right-wing concepts – I am talking about New Democracy party – and mainly, to have the impression that patriotism is something different from defending the country, which also includes all the elements on growth, prosperity and security.

Regarding the Prime Minister’s speech:

It is a speech that has to do with all the things that we have achieved with the Greek people’s support. None of this would have happened, if it weren’t for Greek people’s support in the previous period. We are the government that, by means of a difficult agreement, managed to be the longest-existing one in the crisis period and will complete its term of office.

Regarding the misunderstandings in the interpretation of the Agreement on the part of FYROM:

The message was strong; no-one can play with the agreement itself. The agreement, to be voted by the Parliament in FYROM, includes specific things, as well as explicit commitments and obligations when it will be introduced to the Greek Parliament. No-one can say what he/she wants.

Everything in the agreement is clear, so are the commitments. No-one has the right to play or conceal the actual content of the agreement. Both governments manage to get out of a long period of nationalistic views that obstructed the peaceful coexistence in the region.

Regarding whether there is a fear that the Minister of National Defence, Panos Kammenos, will resign prior to the expiry of his term of service:

This is up to the Independent Hellenes (ANEL) party to appreciate certain things. I am saying that this effort should be completed. It is for everyone’s benefit and mainly, for the benefit of the Greek society. The answer for me is this: Elections in October all together.