The Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is traveling to London on Monday Dec.2, with aim to attract investors to Greece, as well as to engage in discussions for the reunification of the Parthenon Marbles. Mitsotakis will be meeting with his British counterpart Sir Keir Starmer, on Tuesday, following the Labor Party’s victory in the UK.
The discussion about the Parthenon Marbles remains a longstanding request for Greece addressed not only to the British government, but also to the British Museum.
The prime minister himself stressed the importance of this issue and Greece’s long-standing demand for the repatriation of marbles during an interview on ANT1 TV. “When the Sculptures return, not if they return, when they return, it will be a vindication for Melina Mercouri, who was the first to raise awareness—not just among Greeks but globally—about the need for this reunification,” Mitsotakis noted.
He expressed his optimism affirming that discussions on the matter with the British Museum are ongoing, predicting that the Parthenon Caryatid and the other marbles will eventually return home. “I firmly believe that the moment of the Sculptures’ return will come. I cannot determine when or at what speed this return will happen, because I don’t think we can expect it to happen overnight.” He stated.
The time is considered favorable for the returning of the sculptures as the majority of public opinion in Britain seems to be backing Greece’s request. Furthermore, Starmer had expressed his support for the returning of the sculptures to their homeland back when he was leader of the opposition, a fact that Athens is expected to take advantage of during the negotiations.
In this context, media in London have brought back into discussion the scenario of invoking certain provisions of the Charities Act passed in 2022, regarding the Parthenon Marbles. These “dormant” provisions, which were not included in the final version of the law, stipulate that the trustees of institutions like museums could authorize the permanent removal of exhibits if they determine there is a “moral obligation” to do so.
During his London visit the prime minister is also set to inaugurate the 3rd Greek Investment Conference, organized by Morgan Stanley in collaboration with the Athens Stock Exchange. He is expected to convey a message of fiscal stability to investors, further emphasizing Greece’s political stability.
Other topics on Mitsotakis’ agenda for discussions with the British prime minister include defense, economic and trade issues with particular focus on shipping, research and innovation as well as tourism.
