The Greek Government’s Betrayal: Silent Settlement in Thrace and the Islands
A map shared by Turkish internet users boasting about the conquest of Greek lands through purchases.
The systematic sale of Greek land to Turkish and other foreign buyers, especially in border areas and the islands, reveals a dangerous pattern of neglect, incompetence, and potential corruption within the Greek government. With properties being offloaded at rock-bottom prices, Greece is witnessing an insidious "silent settlement" that threatens national security and sovereignty.
A Legislative Loophole Left Open by the Government
A legal gap dating back to 2011 has opened the floodgates for foreign interests—particularly Turkish buyers—to acquire real estate in strategically vital locations such as Thrace, Evros, and the Aegean islands. The PASOK-era law removed nationality verification for property sales, allowing companies with EU headquarters to purchase land and homes without any scrutiny of the individuals behind them. This has led to an unchecked buying spree by Turkish, Bulgarian, and other foreign entities, who now hold increasing influence over these critical regions.
Shockingly, the current New Democracy government has done nothing to close this loophole, despite years of warnings from local leaders and intelligence reports highlighting the potential risks. The failure to act suggests not just incompetence but also a deeper problem—one that raises the question: is this an act of negligence or something more sinister?
Turkish Expansion Through Real Estate
The numbers speak for themselves. Properties in Northern Evros are being sold en masse to Muslims of Turkish and Bulgarian descent, with entire villages witnessing a shift in demographics. In Rodopi, 14 homes were recently sold for just €12,000–€15,000, while foreign entities have even purchased hotel units in Maronia. Komotini has seen a similar trend, with Turkish-backed buyers targeting key infrastructure and standalone homes in the urban core.
Meanwhile, in the islands, particularly Leros, Lesvos, Chios, and the Dodecanese, Turkish and other foreign nationals have been aggressively acquiring property. Real estate prices have skyrocketed in these areas due to demand from foreign buyers, pushing out local Greeks and eroding national control over these critical territories. The influx of Turkish investors is particularly alarming given the geopolitical tensions between Greece and Turkey.
The Intelligence Service (EYP) Sounds the Alarm—But Is Anyone Listening?
Even the National Intelligence Service (EYP) has been forced to step in, recognizing the dangers posed by these aggressive acquisitions. Yet, instead of decisive government action, bureaucratic inaction persists. Despite the government’s awareness of the issue, no substantial measures have been taken to halt the sale of Greek land to foreign entities with questionable interests.
The eleven MPs from New Democracy who recently submitted a formal request for an investigation into these sales are effectively confirming what has long been suspected: the Greek state is either unwilling or unable to safeguard national interests. Are these officials merely incompetent, or are they complicit in allowing this to happen?
A Calculated Demographic Shift?
The evidence suggests a planned and deliberate demographic shift. Beyond wealthy investors, a significant number of Turkish and Bulgarian Muslims—many of whom have EU citizenship—are purchasing homes in Christian villages. Local residents warn that this is not simply a business transaction but a long-term strategy aimed at altering the ethnic and cultural balance of these regions.
The situation is especially dire in Evros, where villages are being abandoned by Greeks due to economic hardship, only to be repopulated by Turkish nationals. In some areas, the number of Muslim minority schools now surpasses public schools, a clear indicator of the shifting demographic landscape.
Golden Visa: The Trojan Horse of Foreign Influence
Adding fuel to the fire is Greece’s Golden Visa program, which has allowed thousands of foreign investors—particularly from Turkey, China, and Russia—to gain residency rights through property purchases. Between 2020 and 2024, over 2,600 Turkish nationals secured permanent investor residence permits in Greece.
While the Golden Visa scheme was initially intended to attract investment, it has become a tool for foreign entities to establish a permanent presence in Greek border regions. Shockingly, the government continues to process thousands of pending applications, seemingly oblivious to the security implications.
Greek Sovereignty at Risk: The Government Must Be Held Accountable
This crisis is not just an economic issue—it is a matter of national security. The gradual but deliberate settlement of foreign nationals in strategic Greek regions, aided by lax legislation and government inaction, is an existential threat.
The Greek government must be held accountable for its failure to protect the nation’s borders, land, and people. Immediate legislative action is required to:
Reinstate nationality checks for property sales in border and military zones.
Impose stricter regulations on foreign real estate acquisitions.
End the abuse of the Golden Visa program by foreign investors with potential hostile intent.
Prioritize Greek buyers and residents in economically distressed regions.
Conclusion: Is This Negligence or Treason?
At best, the Greek government’s inaction is a sign of gross incompetence. At worst, it is an act of betrayal. By allowing foreign interests—especially Turkish investors—to quietly settle in Thrace and the islands, the state is effectively surrendering Greek land without a fight.
Unless immediate action is taken, Greece risks becoming a pawn in a larger geopolitical game, where its own leaders have chosen to sell out the country’s sovereignty. The question remains: will the government act to protect Greece, or will it continue down this dangerous path of inaction and silent surrender?
