A dispute has erupted between the Turkish government and opposition over Greece’s map for Maritime Spatial Planning, with the opposition criticizing the Erdoğan government and labeling Greece’s submission of the map to the EU as an “act of war.”
Notably, CHP MP Oğuz Kaan Salıcı stated, “Such plans will bring tension, not peace, to the Aegean. They are testing Turkey’s resolve, and we cannot remain silent.”
CHP Vice President Yankı Bağcıoğlu, for his part, said, “The government, unwilling to jeopardize its economic ties with the European Union, has practically surrendered the Aegean to Greece. The decision to extend to 12 miles is contrary to international law. If Turkey continues its passive policy, this outcome is inevitable.”
Following the CHP’s reactions, party MP Utku Çakırözer argued, “The 12-mile initiative is something Turkey cannot accept. The government must respond in the strongest possible terms, but we see no sign of a reaction.”
Future Party Vice President Ayhan Sefer Üstün stated, “Turning the Aegean into Greece’s inland waters is utterly unacceptable. In international law, taking unilateral measures is a clear act of war.”
Welfare Party Vice President Mustafa Kaya noted, “The government’s silence is significant. Greece’s efforts to corner us are an attack on our country’s freedom on land and sea.”
DEVA Party Vice President İdris Şahin also remarked, “Turkey’s weaknesses are behind this boldness. The government must stop posturing and approach the issue with the seriousness befitting a state.”
On the other hand, pro-government media accuses the CHP opposition of forming an alliance with Israel, Greece, and the Republic of Cyprus, creating a “front” against Turkey.
Retired Rear Admiral Cem Gürdeniz, considered the architect of the “Blue Homeland” concept, calls on the government and opposition to “unite for the Blue Homeland.” Turkish media report that the pseudo-state [Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus] is next in line.
In a column titled “The Neighbor Fails to Grasp the Spirit of the Times,” Milliyet columnist Zafer Şahin writes, “Greece’s expansion of its territorial waters to 12 miles would mean 71% of the Aegean would be under Greek control. It’s a futile effort with no practical prospects. For Turkey, such a development constitutes a threat of war.”
He added, “The number of active soldiers in our neighbor’s military is 142,000! Instead of comparing this to the Turkish Armed Forces, let’s recall that, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, we have 230,000 hunters.”
He further noted, “The greatest mistake they could make in this period of history would be to confront Turkey in the Aegean. Both the balance of power and the current circumstances are in our favor.”