Partnership with ANEL is 'temporary, not strategic,' says SYRIZA MP

SYRIZA deputy and former minister Nikos Filis on Thursday said that the leftist party's partnership with nationalist Independent Greeks (ANEL) in the Greek coalition government is "temporary, not strategic."

Speaking at an informal meeting with members of the press in Parliament, the outspoken former education minister was asked to comment on the partnership after having openly criticized ANEL chief and Defense Minister Panos Kammenos over recent plans for military procurements.

"I have no personal issues with Mr. Kammenos. But to hand over 3.5 billion euros for F35 (fighter jets), you need to first have a public discussion, especially given Greece's current economic circumstances," Filis said in reference to moves by the defense minister to strengthen the Hellenic Air Force fleet.

Filis was also critical of Kammenos over promises to put military personnel on a...