The case involving a recorded conversation between the Secretary-General of National Security, Thanos Dokos, with individuals posing as Ukrainian officials.
At the heart of the controversy are the references in the conversation to the timing of the elections, the Ukrainian issue, the EYP director’s mission to Kyiv, as well as broader issues related to Greece’s involvement in the war in Ukraine.
The case prompted a response from former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, as well as statements from the Greek Left Coalition, PASOK, the KKE, and SYRIZA.
«Is Mr. Dokos still in his position?»
Former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, commenting on the case, raised the issue of whether Thanos Dokos should remain in his position as Secretary General of National Security.
«Is Mr. Dokos still in his position?» Mr. Samaras remarked, referring to the conversation that had been made public.
Hellenic Police: «We expect the necessary explanations to be provided»
For his part, the Head of Foreign Policy for the Hellenic Police, Haris Tzimitras, described the case involving the Prime Minister’s National Security Advisor as «a very alarming incident for national security.».
In his statement, he argued that the incident, combined with the case of the Ukrainian drone, highlights serious issues regarding the government’s handling of sensitive matters.
«Once again, the Mitsotakis government is proving to be dangerously amateurish in its handling of issues that are sensitive for the country, even though it is thoroughly professional in its communications,» he noted.
Mr. Tzimitras called on the government to provide the necessary explanations and to take «serious measures to protect the country from any kind of hybrid threat.».
PASOK: «Mr. Dokos’s resignation is the only way forward»
PASOK-Movement for Change is calling for the resignation of the Secretary-General of National Security, Thanos Dokos.
According to PASOK, «the government announced in an “informal briefing”—which shows how seriously it takes the matter—that a hybrid attack “breached” security protocols,» without, as it notes, providing «any other explanation or further information.».
The party accuses the government of attempting to «downplay» the issue, arguing that by claiming no classified information «leaked,» it is trying «to cover for the Prime Minister’s highly compromised close associate.».
In the same statement, PASOK raises a series of questions:
«With whom was the Secretary General of National Security communicating and sharing this information? Was he using a special digital platform for high-level communications?»
«Was the leaked video taken after the hybrid attack?»
«Was any other material leaked?»
«Isn't the mission and presence of the EYP director in a foreign capital considered classified information?»
In conclusion, PASOK emphasizes that «Mr. Dokos’s dismissal is the only option.».
KKE: «The biggest security gap is the country’s involvement in the war»
The KKE, for its part, is focusing on Greece’s involvement in the war in Ukraine, arguing that the content of the conversation points to serious risks.
As he notes, the greatest «security gap» arising from the conversation between the prime minister’s advisor and the Russians who were «posing as Ukrainian officials» is «the incalculable dangers that the criminal policy of dragging the country into the war poses to the Greek people.».
The KKE notes that «it sends a chill down one’s spine to hear a Greek official say that “we understand the needs of war,”» when, according to the statement, this was preceded by a report that «a new strike by Ukrainian maritime drones against Russian targets near Greek islands is imminent.».
According to the party, the official is reportedly simply asking that the strike not go ahead because «we are in the middle of the tourist season and the pre-election period.».
The KKE also characterizes as «indicative of the cynicism of military involvement» the fact that, as it reports, the prime minister’s advisor «is himself raising the issue of signing a co-production agreement for maritime drones with Ukraine.».
At the same time, he maintains that «it is clear from the conversation that the Greek government is aware that the drone found in Lefkada was targeting a Russian warship, as revealed by “Rizospastis”».
In conclusion, the KKE calls for «Greece to withdraw from the carnage of war right here and now, before it’s too late,» «that there be no new agreement with the Zelenskyy regime,» «that U.S.-NATO bases be closed,» and «that the country withdraw from the sanctions against Russia.».
SYRIZA: «The narrative on security has collapsed»
SYRIZA–Progressive Alliance, in a statement issued by the party’s Press Office, strongly criticizes the government, arguing that «the narrative on security has collapsed» and that Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s «command-and-control state» is proving to be «the weakest and most dangerous link.».
The statement refers to the revelations concerning the National Security Advisor, which SYRIZA does not view as an «isolated incident,» but rather as part of a broader picture. The party links the case to wiretapping, cybersecurity gaps, and rising crime, noting that these events «disprove the government’s narrative of an effective state.».
At the same time, SYRIZA emphasizes that when safeguards at the highest levels of the state apparatus are compromised, it is not only the government’s image that is affected, but also «the country’s credibility,» while, as it notes, citizens’ sense of insecurity intensifies.
The same statement emphasizes that national security cannot be treated as an «election slogan» or as a arena for «petty partisan conflict,» but requires «institutional seriousness, competence, and accountability»—elements that, according to SYRIZA, «are lacking in the current government.».
In closing, SYRIZA calls on the government to provide «full explanations» and to assume «its political responsibilities,» noting in particular that «a government that cannot guarantee even the security of its own institutions cannot guarantee the country’s security.».
