Greek opposition parties are demanding clarification from the government regarding alleged threats made by U.S. Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle to Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou. The incident, reported by the Wall Street Journal, involved a discussion about Romania's political turmoil and U.S. energy policies.
The allegations raise questions about the nature of diplomatic relations and the potential for foreign influence on sovereign governments, particularly concerning energy policy and political stability in Europe.
Greek opposition parties are demanding that the government clarify allegations that U.S. Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle threatened Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou during a dinner in March. The incident, reported by the Wall Street Journal, reportedly occurred during a discussion about the anticipated collapse of Romania's government and U.S. energy policies.
According to the Journal report, Guilfoyle said, "We can do that to any country we want. We can do that here," in reference to the political turmoil in Bucharest at the time. Papastavrou reportedly responded that Greece's government was elected by the people and could not be replaced by the U.S. Guilfoyle's lawyer disputed the description of the conversation.
Opposition parties across the Greek political spectrum have called on Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' government to address the allegations. Harry Tzimitras, head of foreign affairs for the Elas party, stated that the allegations "do not demonstrate mutual respect" and that Greece must act as an independent and sovereign democracy. The socialist Pasok party echoed this sentiment, urging the government to deny the alleged threat. Independent MP Alexis Charitsis commented that a country does not become geopolitically stronger by deepening its dependence on a major power.
A State Department spokesperson told POLITICO that the U.S. values its strategic partnership with Romania, including energy security and defense burden shifting. Representatives for Guilfoyle declined to comment. Greek government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis told reporters on Monday that there had "never been any issue of a threat against the Greek government" and that such a development "would never be tolerated."
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