The ongoing exodus of personnel from the Armed Forces, the devaluation of non-commissioned officers’ careers, and the lack of information provided to Parliament on critical defense policy issues, during a meeting of the Parliament’s Committee on Defense and Foreign Affairs.
Specifically, according to the relevant briefing, he pointed out that the reality within the Armed Forces contradicts the picture presented by the government, calling for detailed data on officer resignations during the New Democracy administration. He made special mention of non-commissioned officers, emphasizing that following the passage of Law 5265/2026, not only did the relevant debate not end, but the questions and dissatisfaction among officers multiplied.
He recalled that he submitted a parliamentary question to the Minister of National Defense requesting data on resignations and departures by branch, the filling of positions at the Armed Forces Academies, measures to support officers, and plans to address the growing staff shortages. As he noted, a non-commissioned officer’s career is becoming increasingly less attractive, the Armed Forces Academies are struggling to attract young people, while the government is now even resorting to advertising campaigns to recruit personnel.
At the same time, he noted that in many NATO countries, systematic policies are in place to assess living conditions, compensation, career prospects, and reasons for staff turnover, so that timely corrective measures can be taken, and he questioned whether the government is utilizing similar tools.
The PASOK MP also criticized the government for failing to provide information regarding the country’s participation in the European SAFE financial instrument and the involvement of the Greek defense and shipbuilding industries in related programs. He emphasized that other countries have already entered into financing agreements, while the Parliament has still not received substantive information regarding the Greek side’s plans.
At the same time, he accused the government of a lack of transparency in defense procurement programs and questioned the credibility of government announcements regarding a 25% participation rate for the Greek defense industry, specifically requesting data on what has been implemented to date.
Michalis Katrinis also referred to the information that has been made public regarding the export of artillery through the Czech Republic to Ukraine, noting that there are discrepancies between the data appearing in international records and those presented to Parliament, and demanding clear explanations from the Ministry of National Defense.
Referring to the military training cooperation agreement between Greece and Bosnia and Herzegovina, he assessed it as positive but requested explanations regarding the fifteen-year delay in its ratification, the practical aspects of its implementation, and its financial implications.